MERRY men double act Willow Scarlett and Little John of the Oxford Playhouse panto Robin Hood brought laughter to a needy girl.

Sian Davies, 15, who is supported by Helen and Douglas House hospice, met the characters at the charity’s shop in Oxford’s Covered Market on Wednesday.

The Playhouse has given tickets for the pantomime to local families who use the hospice, including Sian and her family from Wantage.

Sian has health problems including congenital heart disease that mean she is on oxygen for 12 hours a day and needs medication.

The panto runs until January 12. For more on the panto visit oxfordplayhouse.com For information on the hospice visit helenand douglas.org.uk