FILM characters Buddy the Elf and Mary Poppins recent visit to children in hospital was 'practically perfect' in every way.

The beloved characters surprised children with gifts on Wagtail and Puffin wards, in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and paediatrics ED at Basildon Hospital.

Buddy the Elf came direct from the North Pole to spread festive cheer, wearing his signature green suit and oversized yellow boots, while Mary Poppins arrived by umbrella to the wards in her iconic coat, hat and magical carpet bag.

Nicola Murphy, from the Basildon play specialist team, said: "It's 'supercalifragilisticexpialidocious' to see the difference these visits make. Watching the faces of young patients light up when they met Buddy the Elf and Mary Poppins was priceless.

"Like Buddy says: 'The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.' And that's exactly what they did!"