THE Easter Bunny has taken time out of his busy schedule to visit a children's hospital ward.

Children in the Treetops ward at University Hospital of North Durham received a visit from Warren the rabbit when he made a delivery of Easter eggs from a local Asda store.

The eggs had been donated by shoppers at the store in Stanley and taken to the ward by Asda events co-ordinator Joyce Porter and community beat officers Sarah Hindmarsh and Sara Baxter. Ms Porter said: " We had a wonderful response from customers and were able to donate over six dozen Easter eggs to the hospital. We would like to thank everyone who contributed."

Pauline Crewe, hospital play specialist, said: "It is especially hard for children to be in hospital at holiday times and it was very kind of Asda to think of them. Warren was a big hit with both the children and the staff and we really enjoyed their visit."