Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr has visited Great Ormond Street Hospital, where he met young fans on the cancer ward.

Ahead of the European premiere of Captain America: Civil War in London on April 26, the film’s star spent Monday afternoon visiting patients and their families and handing out Captain America goodies.

Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr with Chloe Bowers, aged five from Ruislip, during a visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr with Chloe Bowers, aged five from Ruislip, during a visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital (Ian West/PA)

Seven-year-old Ethan Miller, who suffers from the rare blood disease ITP as well as type 1 diabetes, was “over the moon” to meet the Hollywood actor.

His father Lee said: “Ethan has been in and out of hospital a lot in the past three years. He watches the films all the time and virtually lives in his Iron Man costume.

“Ethan was over the moon to meet his hero and it has really helped to lift his spirits.”

Ethan posed for pictures with his parents and Robert Downey JrEthan posed for pictures with his parents and Robert Downey Jr (Ian West/PA)

The two posed together in the hospital chapel, with Ethan wearing his Iron Man costume.

Downey has played Tony Stark – otherwise known as Iron Man – since 2008.

Iron Man actor Robert Downey Jr meets Michael, aged seven from Edmonton, during a visit to Great Ormond Street HospitalIron Man actor Robert Downey Jr meets Michael, aged seven from Edmonton, during a visit to Great Ormond Street Hospital (Ian West/PA)

This is not the first time the actor has used his fame and acting skills to surprise young fans.

In 2015, he visited Alex Pring, then seven years old, who was born with a partially developed right arm. Showing up in character as Tony Stark, he presented Alex with a bionic Iron Man arm.

He also had a special message for a young boy suffering from cystic fibrosis, donning a Tigger costume and posing for an Instagram photograph to cheer him up and invite him to the Captain America premiere.

Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals, treating young patients with rare, complex and life-threatening conditions.

The visit was organised by Disney, who have worked with the hospital’s charity since 2008, raising more than £10 million for the hospital’s redevelopment.

Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr meets another hero, one-year-old Charlie Dawson at Great Ormond Street HospitalIron Man star Robert Downey Jr meets another hero, one-year-old Charlie Dawson at Great Ormond Street Hospital (Ian West/PA)