STAFF at a travel agents will be packing Santa's suitcase and taking a trip to a hospital next week, to bring a smile to children's faces.

The suitcase has been packed full of Christmas gifts and toys for children in hospital over the Christmas period.

The toys have been collected since November when Travelcare in Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland, launched an appeal for Christmas gifts and toys. Since then, staff have been overwhelmed by the generosity of customers and the local community.

Branch manager Karen Dent said: "We're very grateful to our customers and members of the local community who have kindly supported the appeal."