Eight children from Woodford Green’s Haven House Hospice led the way for the Queen this week by visiting Downing Street on Monday.

A whole day before Queen Elizabeth made her historic visit to No 10, the children with parents and staff attended a special Christmas party and met the Prime Minister David Cameron and his wife Samantha.

The hospice in High Road helps children with life-limiting conditions and their families.

The kids, along with children from other charities, enjoyed festive entertainment including a Santa’s grotto and a children’s choir.

The hospice’s chief executive Mike Palfreman said: “We know that David Cameron is a big supporter of children’s hospices and we are honoured that our children, family and staff were invited to Downing Street for the party.

“Being able to provide these special treats to our children and families at Christmas time helps to make things that little bit easier when looking after a seriously ill child at this time of year.”

The group also got to meet TV presenters Ant and Dec and Dick and Dom.

They saw Santa who was in the famous street with his sleigh and even met Larry, the Downing Street cat.