PATIENTS facing the festive season in hospital have something to smile about after Southampton General Hospital unveiled its first outdoor Christmas tree.

Festive sparkle dusted the wards as the nine-metre-tall tree was lit up outside the main entrance.

It was Southampton-born boy band The Reason 4 who had the honour of leading the countdown to the big moment when the Southampton Hospital Charity’s tree lights were switched on.

Nathan, Marc, Scott and Glenn, who appeared on series seven of the X Factor in 2010, stayed to sing some festive tunes with medical students to raise money for the charity that boosts services for patients at Southampton General and the Princess Anne hospitals.

Before the big switch-on the band also made special visits to the children’s wards of the hospital, bringing smiles to the faces of some of the poorly youngsters who may face Christmas on the ward.

They took time to sit and chat with the young patients and their families, signing autographs and singing songs, including Lady Gaga’s Poker Face.

The Reason 4, who had taken time out from their tour supporting X Factor winner Joe McElderry to be at the hospital, said: “We are so pleased to have been asked to turn on Southampton Hospital Charity’s Christmas lights.

“It’s great for us to do something for our community and support a great charity.”

One of those lucky enough to get a one-on-one performance was Megan Giles, 16, who has been in hospital for three weeks suffering from acute kidney failure.

She said: “I was quite excited to meet them and it was really nice to have something different happen on the ward. It was great.”

The hospital’s dream of their first Christmas tree was made possible thanks to Kier Construction, which supplied it.

• To make a £3 donation to the charity this Christmas text STAN10 £3 to 70070.