Christmas came early for an 8-year-old Hornchurch girl when she met Mickey and Minnie Mouse at the Disney Store in Oxford Street.

Ellen Carter and her family attended an exclusive party at the store, held for patients of Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The event was hosted by Stacey Solomon, and the Disney favourites were also on hand to add a touch of magic to the proceedings.

Ellen, who receives treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital for a kidney infection, was treated to a private shopping spree in the store with her family.

Her mother, Nicola Carter, said: “We had a fantastic time at the Disney Store party and it really helped us to get in the festive spirit.

“It was brilliant to meet Mickey and Minnie and lovely to spend time with other families who had been through similar experiences.”

The children also enjoyed face painting, balloon modelling and the chance to write their own letter to Santa during the event on December 1.

Younger guests were also invited to dress up as their favourite Disney character – with Ellen choosing Rapunzel from the 2010 animated film Tangled. The store has supported Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity at Christmas since 2008.

As well as throwing the party which was attended by eight families, Disney Store has also donated 800 soft toys to the hospital’s patients.

Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity is one of 40 children’s charities to benefit from the Disney Store’s Share in the Magic campaign.

For every Letter to Santa posted in store or online at disneystore.co.uk/christmas Disney Store will donate a soft toy to a charity.