Harvey Hopkin enjoyed a very special Christmas-themed tea party at No 11 Downing Street hosted by Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne and Starlight Children's Foundation.

Seven-year-old Harvey, who comes from Wisbech, suffers from a serious medical condition called Addison's Disease.

He was one of forty seriously ill children to be invited with his mum Karen by Starlight, which grants wishes and provides entertainment in hospitals and hospices for poorly children.

After stopping to see one of the most famous doors in the land, Harvey and Karen were guided inside to a captivating winter scene, where they were greeted by a host of Christmas characters and decorations. The Chancellor of the Exchequer welcomed the children and their families to Downing Street and wished them a Happy Christmas, before encouraging them to tuck in to the magnificent afternoon tea provided.

Swapping his TARDIS to a more traditional form of transport, celebrity guest and Starlight ambassador Matt Smith delighted Harvey and the other young guests by joining them to meet reindeer on one of the most famous roads in the country.

Inside, former Spice girl Geri Halliwell and CBBC presenter Gemma Hunt helped some of the children paint reindeer moulds and decorate the Starlight wishing tree, while Santa gave each child an early Christmas present and listened to their Christmas wishes.

George Osborne said: 'We don't often have as much fun at Downing Street as we have this afternoon. It is extremely humbling for me and my staff to hear some of the children's stories and we hope that by coming along to our Christmas party we have helped them forget their illnesses for an hour or two and simply have a bit of fun.'

Matt Smith said:, 'Thousands of children will spend this Christmas in hospital and, along with a White Christmas, this year I am wishing for some much-needed festive cheer for these kids.

'It's easy to forget how tough it must be for families with a seriously ill child and I am thrilled to support the work that Starlight does to bring them fun and distraction at a time when they need it most.'

Geri Halliwell said: 'It was wonderful to be a part of Starlight's party at No. 11 Downing Street. You can't imagine what these families are going through and a short escape from the day-to-day routine of treatment and hospitals can really help to take their minds off their pain and anxiety.

'A large dose of fun and laughter can be exactly what the doctor ordered for some of these kids and their families.'

The party was part of Starlight's Christmas of Happiness, which will see the charity bring festive entertainment and magical wishes to the thousands of children that will spend time in hospitals and hospices this Christmas.