A BARNET charity surprised seriously ill children and their families when they met a Blue Peter presenter at a party. 

Spread a Smile, in Finchley Road, Childs Hill, welcomed Barney Harwood to their Winter Wonderland party at Marriott Hotel, in Regents Park.

The children took part in activities including magic, a graffiti wall, a cupcake decorating stall, a giant Scalextric track, a fairy grotto, a nail bar and a story tent.

Parker Moss, whose daughter, seven-year-old Vanessa, is supported by the charity, said she enjoyed the event.

He added: “The party was the most fun per square meter in London. Spread a Smile packed the highest density of excitement as possible.”

The charity provides entertainment to seriously ill children who are in hospital for prolonged periods of time and have cancer, heart or kidney related illnesses.

Josephine Segal, director of Spread a Smile, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be able to entertain these incredibly deserving children and their families and shower them with special treats outside of a hospital environment.

“Spending some quality time together is so important for families at a time when they are going through such a difficult time and thanks to the generosity of many companies, we were able to give them a day to remember.”