Jeff Smith as Erbie the Clown with patient Ellie Hemmins Picture Ref: 77400-46CHILDREN at Great Western Hospital have been entertained by a rather unusual visitor.

Erbie the Clown has been putting in regular appearances on the children's ward.

His visits have been sponsored by Warburtons bakery, which has paid magicians, puppeteers, storytellers and musicians to brighten up the children's stays at the hospital.

Erbie is a well-known face in the children's entertainment world in Swindon appearing at parties and fun days across the borough all year round.

Claire Parks, senior hospital play specialist, said: "It was a great morning.

"Erbie the Clown has been here several times in the last year and he makes such a difference.

"There was one little girl who was really upset, but when he came in and made her a balloon her smile came back straightaway.

"Everybody was laughing, even the parents and staff."

Ms Parks said the visits have been very popular.

She said: "Just being able to make the children laugh and forget why they are in hospital is very beneficial.

"It's so important helping them and their parents to relax."

Warburtons sponsor children entertainers to go to hospitals all over the country as part of their charitable portfolio.

The company was established in 1876 by Thomas Warburton in a small grocer's shop in Bolton.

Warburtons is now third in the top 100 grocery brands in the UK, according to the AC Nielson index.

Dave Andrew