X Factor semifinalists swapped singing and dancing for arts and crafts as they surprised children at Shooting Star Chase last week.

Surrey Comet:

Ben Haenow, Fleur East, Andrea Faustini and Lauren Platt from the hit ITV show met children with life-limiting conditions and their families on Tuesday, December 2, ahead of the release of the X Factor charity single.

The single released by this year's winner will raise funds for Together for Short Lives, with money going to more than 50 children's charities including Shooting Star Chase.

During the visit, the X Factor semifinalists saw for themselves how the charity makes every moment count for children with life-limiting conditions and spent time talking to children, signing autographs, posing for photographs and take part in Christmas art activities.

Miss East, who is favourite to win the competition, said: "Before I came here I was quite nervous because I didn’t know what to expect - I’d never been to a children’s hospice before - but every single child here is so happy and so joyful and the staff are having fun with the children; it’s so lovely to see.

"You can tell they’re really happy here."

Mr Haenow described the visit to the Hampton hospice as an "overwhelming experience" and said the mood was incredibly positive.

Surrey Comet:

He added: "It’s an amazing place and we shouldn’t be downhearted about it because everyone is so happy. It breaks your heart though and makes everything else pale into insignificance."

Karen Sugarman, director of fundraising at Shooting Star Chase, said: "The children and teenagers were so excited when they walked through the door.

"We’re so grateful they took time out of their busy rehearsal schedules to meet some of the amazing families we care for. It’s fantastic to be benefiting from the proceeds of the charity single - which I’m sure will make number one in no time."

The X Factor winner's single is released digitally on December 14 and the CD is available in stores from December 17.