IT WAS party time for over two hundred youngsters in Dundee when the Fairy Box Galaxy of Stars- themed party kicked off at the Apex City Quay Hotel yesterday.

Family and friends joined youngsters ranging from toddlers to teenagers when they were treated to a variety of entertainment at the party organised by two children’s charities.

The Fairy Box charity in Fife fills up boxes with donated gifts, which are then given to children who are in hospital, to help them on the road to recovery.

Dundee charity Dreamz4u also helped organise the event, and a host of local businesses offered their support towards making it a special day.

Throughout the afternoon the children were entertained by well-known costumed characters including Dennis the Menace and Willie Wonka.

Sporting celebrities including Liz McColgan, Dundee FC footballers and the Texol Stars made a surprise visit in the afternoon and helped the children fill their autograph books that they were given as they arrived.

Cartoonist Jimmy Glen had the children intrigued as he demonstrated how he draws the Beano and Dandy characters.

Goodwill messages from Fred MacAulay, Billy Boyd and Dundee United were also played to the children.

The host at the event was Scots comedian Des Clarke who was joined by the CBBC TV presenter James Mackenzie.

Before leaving the party the families were given a professional photograph to take home as a memory of the day.

Rosie Butler, trustee of the Fairy Box charity said, “Dundee has a great tradition in looking after its own and the city has certainly pulled out all the stops this weekend for these very special children and their families.

“It was just amazing to see everyone coming along and really enjoying themselves—it’s good for parents to see their children so happy, having fun and just being kids, because it is a difficult time for everyone when a child is ill.

“There has been so much good will and a great desire to support this party—both charities are delighted with the response and thrilled that so much happened for the kids to enjoy this weekend.”

The charity was the brainchild of Rosie’s 12-year-old daughter, Aimee, who after spending time in hospital wanted to help bring a little joy and happiness to other youngsters who are in hospital.

With the help of her mother Rosie, Aimee set up the appeal, which aims to expand across children’s wards in England and Wales.