Police have helped to spread some Christmas cheer to children spending the lead up to the festive period in hospital.
Father Christmas joined officers and staff from Durham Constabulary to hand out presents to youngsters on the children’s ward at Darlington Memorial Hospital.
For the past month, generous members of staff at Darlington Police Station have been collecting and wrapping dozens of presents, which include chocolate treats, toys and books.
Any extra presents will be donated to the Salvation Army who will give them to vulnerable children who might not otherwise have a present to open on Christmas morning.
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Orford said: “It has been fantastic to help bring some smiles to children who are in hospital in the run up to Christmas. We’ve had such a brilliant response to our Christmas present appeal in Darlington, with dozens of officers and staff digging deep to donate all sorts of gifts. Any surplus presents will now be given to the Salvation Army to help bring a smile to other vulnerable children this Christmas.”
Children’s ward manager, Jayne Auld, said: “It’s lovely that police officers and their colleagues have thought about the children who are in hospital at this time of year. Our priority is giving the children the care they need but visits like this, and a gift, certainly lift their, and their families’, spirits. We’re very grateful.”
