A LANCASHIRE girl, who was caught up in Manchester Arena suicide bomb, had a surprise visitor today.

The Queen met victims at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, and staff who worked tirelessly through the night in the aftermath of Monday's atrocity.

Twelve children under the age of 16 - among the 64 casualties - were taken to the hospital by ambulance following the terror attack.

The Queen condemned the "wicked" attack during her visit.

She met scores of staff who had worked through the night, shaking hands and sharing words with many, before visiting a ward where four young girls who were injured in the concert blast are recovering.

Amy Barlow, 12, from Helmshore, Lancashire, was one of the girls who met the Queen.

She was joined by mum Cathy - who said she had not left the hospital since the pair were caught up in the attack - and dad Grant.

The group discussed the incredible community response to the atrocity before the Queen departed.

Earlier, the Queen described her shock at the targeting of young victims as she met several groups of clinicians, doctors, nurses and porters - all of whom had contributed to the emergency effort.

"The awful thing was that everyone was so young. The age of them," she told one member of staff.

She learnt about the role each had played on the night - including how many had come in from home to offer their help - and commended them for "coming together".

The royal visitor, who was wearing a blue coat and orange hat, was met by the Lord-Lieutenant of Greater Manchester Warren Smith as she arrived.

Her visit came shortly after staff gathered outside the hospital for a minute's silence, when they remembered those who had lost their lives, before bursting into spontaneous applause.