A DURHAM children's ward lit up with smiles when patients were presented with a huge pile of toys, books and games.

The Chester-le-Street branch of the Royal and Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes handed over £500 worth of goodies after teaming up with newsagent WH Smith.

The group's charity organiser Gerry Markwell said: "We managed to raise around £500 over the year through charity events.

"Dryburn Hospital said its children's ward had all the equipment it needed, but their toys were tatty."

WHSmith in the Metro Centre donated and gave discount on books and games.