CHILDREN facing the prospect of Christmas in hospital have been given a little light relief in the form of Harry Potter and Roald Dahl.

Staff from Hambleton District Council delivered books worth more than £175 to the children's ward at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital.

The books were bought with commission earned over the past year from the sale of products through an internally-run book club.

The council's head of corporate services, Cyril Dyke, said: "We are delighted to have been able to donate these books to such a good cause.

"Despite their having to be in hospital we hope that the children will get lots of pleasure from reading them."