The Christmas day visit to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel saw Mr Dobson chatting to youngsters, their parents and staff.

He thanked health workers for their work over the festive period as he joined in with the festivities during his tour of the wards.

Children well enough were sent home

"I try to get out of the office at least once a week to see the NHS at work and this is one of those visits," he said.

"Today's visit shows how much I appreciate all the hard work done by all the people of the NHS 365 days a year."

Another special guest also made an appearance on the wards to help celebrate the big day.

A gift-laden Father Christmas visited all the children in the hospital before they all tucked into a traditional turkey lunch.

Lead nurse Maggie Rogers said: "Christmas is a very special time on the children's wards.

"We make sure that all the children who are well enough go home beforehand, so its really important that we make this a special day for the others."