Sick children help Camilla decorate her Christmas tree at Clarence House

The Duchess of Cornwall enlisted some little helpers to join her decorating the fir tree at Clarence House at an annual festive gathering.

Camilla invited children and families supported by Helen & Douglas House and Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity to Clarence House on Wednesday.

As patron of the charities, it is the eighth year that she has hosted the event which includes a lunch for guests of sausages and mash and an array of treats.

Ronnie Edwards, six, from Cambridge helps the Duchess of Cornwall decorate the tree. Credit: PA

Helen & Douglas House is based in Oxford and provides respite support and end-of-life care, while Roald Dahl's Marvellous Children's Charity helps children with serious illnesses.

Clarence House tweeted: "The finishing touches have been made to the @ClarenceHouse Christmas tree and it looks beautiful!"

A long table was in place for lunch, covered with a white linen cloth, and ready with jugs of orange and blackcurrant juice and plates of heart-shaped iced cookies and chocolate biscuits.

The Duchess told her guests: "It's always a joy having you all and I hope everyone enjoys the bangers and mash."