YOUNGSTERS spending Christmas in hospital were treated to a visit from a pirate bearing treasure!

Pirate Reg, aka Reg Miller, 68, and his new wife Sarah dressed in full pirate regalia to go to Neptune children’s ward at Southend Hospital to give away boxes of toys.

The generous couple, of Bournemouth Park Road, Southend, have been together for more than 13 years and wed last month, asking all their guests to buy gifts for children on the unit instead of wedding gifts.

Reg, who was inspired by the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, said: “I’ve always felt so sorry for kids on Christmas morning who find themselves in hospital. We wanted to do something to help. Our guests have been so generous – the boxes fill half our living room.”

Reg and wife Sarah, a teacher, are well-known for their love of all things buccaneer. They have transformed a their garden shed and back garden into a pirate paradise.

Mr Miller’s swashbuckling shed has numerous decorations and a population of exotic birds, including Macaw Parrot Duffy, who likes to join him for a splash of traditional Barbados rum in the cabin.

Kayley Harvey, community fundraising manager at Southend Hospital, added: “We are so grateful to Reg, Sarah and all of their wedding guests who have been so generous with gifts for the children’s ward this Christmas.

"We were also delighted to welcome their pirate alter egos to the ward to help the children unwrap their donated treasures!”