SOME surprise visitors caused a stir in Bolton Hospice at the weekend.

The cast of Coronation Street spread a smile among residents and their families when they dropped into the charity’s headquarters on Sunday.

Along with Oliver Farnworth, who plays Andy Carver, Tisha Merry, who plays Steph Britton, and Faye Brookes, who plays Kate Connor, was Walkden’s Catherine Tyldesley.

The actress who plays Eva Price in the ITV soap spent time chatting with patient Ronnie MacDonald.

The 82-year-old from Bolton said: “I had a very nice day on Sunday meeting the cast of Coronation Street.

“We chatted for a while and I even got the girls to bring me a couple of drinks! I’ve watched Coronation Street on and off for years so it was great to meet some of the faces I’ve seen on TV for years.”

As well as chatting with patients, the cast got to meet the dedicated volunteers and staff who work at the hospice.

Many brought along their families for the day and took the opportunity to meet the television stars for photographs and a few autographs.

For staff member Giovanna Notarpippo it made her working week extra special.

She said: “I’ve been watching Corrie since I was 12 years old, so it was fantastic to meet the cast on Sunday! It was such a lovely surprise when I came into work!”

The hospice turns 25 next year and the cast also took time to sign the charity’s t-shirts which will be raffled as part of the anniversary fundraising events.

Hospice marketing and database manager, Felicity Ransom added: “They were really lovely and spent a lot of time speaking to patients and taking pictures.”

The visit was organised by Making Dreams Come True.