Former EastEnders actress Anita Dobson couldn’t keep a straight face as youngsters gave her a helping hand to cut a birthday cake.

She was at the 10th anniversary party of Stevenson House, in Ashfield Street, Whitechapel, which provides accommodation for families to be close to their child undergoing surgery at the Royal London Hospital.

The actress was making a return to the hostel run by the Sick Children’s Trust which she first visited three years ago.

She met parents and children before opening a new wing to help cater for the 450 families-many from outside London- who use it each year.

“It’s hearing stories from these families that really move me,” she said. “I realise what an important role the charity has played in people’s lives over the years.”