Doctors are known for leaving patients in stitches but this cheerful medic has been proving laughter is always the best medicine.

Dr Geehee tickles the funny bones of young patients at the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton when she visits every week.

She is one of 22 Giggle Doctors, who work to cheer up patients at children’s hospitals around the country with jokes, songs and games.

They are recruited by the Theodora Children’s Trust, a charity which works to bring fun and laughter to children in hospital.

Charity chief executive Sarika Brown said: “A stay in hospital can be daunting for a child but the Giggle Doctors really help them to forget their situation.

“For a few magical moments they are no longer a patient, but a child, who can enjoy a spot of laughter and silliness with a funny character there simply to help them smile during a difficult time.”

Giggle Doctors have visited more than half a million children in hosp-ital since they launched in 1994. The charity relies on donations to keep running and hopes to double the number of children it visits by 2020. For more details visit www.theodora.org.uk.