A SOAP star turned into a real life Father Christmas after visiting poorly children.

Cliviger resident and Hollyoaks actor Miles Higson joined fellow celebrity supporters of Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital charity on their festive visit to meet youngsters on Ward 84.

And Miles certainly put smiles on patients’ faces when he went straight out and bought an iPad for use on the ward.

Miles, 18, combines his acting career with his sixth form studies at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School.

After meeting some remarkable children and hearing about the difference toys and technology can make to a patients stay, he decided to do make his own contribution.

Miles, who plays cheeky chappie Seth Costello in the Channel Four soap, said: “I had a brilliant time meeting the children and their families, the patients are remarkable and so inspiring.

“When I heard how an iPad could help a child, I knew I wanted to do something to help, so I decided to put my money where my mouth is and went straight to the shop to buy an iPad and I also signed up for the 2012 Great Manchester Run.”

iPads can be used to help to distract patients whilst they are undergoing tests and procedures and can also help when familiarising patients with medical equipment and the hospital environment.

The hand held computers can also be used by play specialists at the hospital to psychologically prepare children for treatment.

Miles is hoping for new acting roles in 2012 as his character leaves Hollyoaks just after Christmas.

He described his time on the show as 'the best year of my life'.