CHRISTMAS came early for young hospital patients thanks to the efforts of nursery school children.
The Kidzone nursery, in Crook, took Father Christmas along to brighten up the children's ward at Bishop Auckland General Hospital this week.
Nursery youngsters raised £700 to buy the gifts, which included toys and DVDs, with a sponsored toddle and fun day earlier this year.
Pre-school children Teegan Knighton, Jack Hodgson, Elisha Urwin and Matthew Stokoe went with manager Beverley Harrison to hand out presents.
Ms Harrison said: "The pre-school children had been talking about doing something to help other children who weren't as fortunate as them and we decided to help those who could be spending Christmas in hospital.
"They enjoyed raising the money and got their families and friends involved."
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