CHILDREN’S author Michelle Harrison visited young patients at Basildon Hospital.

The event, organised by Starlight Children’s foundation and publisher Simon and Schuster, is part of series of trips in which authors and illustrators visit poorly children in hospitals.

Michelle, who recently moved back to Essex, said: “It was a real pleasure to meet the children on Puffin ward.

“We had lots of fun talking about things, including bad fairies, wishes, and even the naughty things pets get up to.

“I hope the children enjoyed it as much as I did, and that it may have made a difficult time pass a bit faster.”

Michelle read the children part of her new book, One Wish, and told the children how she gets inspiration for her stories. She also signed copies of her books.