YOUNG patients at Southend Hospital had a reason to smile when they had a visit from Dorothy and her dog Toto.

Lisa Cassidy, who is playing the lead role in the Wizard of Oz at the Palace Theatre, Westcliff, and Shani, who plays Dorothy’s dog Toto, visited Neptune ward.

Kalab Cornwell, four, from Shoebury, was one of the lucky children who met them. Shani is a trained Pets As Therapy dog, funded by charity donations.

These dogs visit hospitals, hospices and care homes to bring cheer to people.

l See P31 for a panto round-up