TEN brothers and sisters of children who use the services of Julia's House were thrilled when they got to meet the stars of X Factor.

The youngsters regularly visit Julia's House hospice or have a Julia's House carer visit them at home.

And on Saturday they got to go backstage at the BIC to meet the X Factor stars ahead of the performance. The majority of the children have complex medical needs, often requiring one-to-one care 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, which means that much of the work carried out at Julia's House is centred around giving the families a break.

The charity relies on fundraising and donations for almost all its income. Deputy chief executive of Julia's House Gavin Fisher said it was important to remember the siblings of sick children as well.

He added: "We are here for the whole family and every now and then we have an opportunity to give the brothers and sisters a really special time too."