Tŷ Hafan youngsters were treated to an extra special surprise when stars from the X Factor paid them a visit yesterday.

Singers from the show including winner James Arthur, Rylan Clark, Ella Henderson, Jahmene Douglas and groups Union J and District3 were all on hand to provide an entertaining afternoon for the children and their families.

There were plenty of smiles all round at the hospice in the Vale of Glamorgan as the singers spent time with babies, toddlers and older children - bringing a little X Factor sparkle into their lives.

Lewis Gasson, a huge James Arthur fan, said it was “amazing” to meet the stars. The 12-year-old from Cardiff, who suffers from Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, said: “We had such a good time and I’m so pleased that I met them all.”

Rylan Clark clearly enjoyed the afternoon and later tweeted: “What an inspirational bunch of people at Tŷ Hafan children's hospice. Thanks for a great visit. See you all soon x”. Ella Henderson also tweeted: “What incredibly strong families at Tŷ Hafan hospice x x pleasure meeting u all!! ... & thank u for my drawing!”

The singers later performed at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena for the X Factor Live Tour.

The visit was organised through Together for Short Lives, the leading UK charity for all children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions and all those who love, support and care for them. All the proceeds from James Arthur’s winning single, ‘Impossible’ will be donated to Together for Short Lives to support children’s hospices like Tŷ Hafan and other voluntary organisations to sustain their vital work.

Tŷ Hafan offers comfort, care and support for life-limited children and young people and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for the whole family. This comfort and support extends out of the hospice and reaches right into the heart of the family home, and is completely free of charge to the families in Wales who need it.

For more information please visit www.tyhafan.org