CHILDREN who will spend the Christmas period in hospital were given a tonic yesterday after they were presented with toys.
Young patients at Bishop Auckland General Hospital enjoyed unwrapping the gifts, most of which are designed for children with disabilities.
They were handed out by Father Christmas on behalf of the Independence 4 Disability charity, from Weardale, following a fundraising campaign, which also included Westgate Women's Institute.
The North-Eastern Co-operative fund gave £1,000, while there were also donations from Morrisons supermarket, in Bishop Auckland, and specialist- learning toy company Rampa.
Helen Blackburn, from Independence 4 Disability, said: "These toys are given as a token of our appreciation for the hard work, care and dedication that Bishop Auckland General Hospital children's ward provides to all children in need.
"Weardale residents once again have shown what a generous and caring community in which we are privileged to live in.
"The grant will enable Bishop Auckland General Hospital childrens' ward to cater for the older children's needs and hopefully enable a speedy recovery."
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