A kind hearted manager is collecting new toys for children who will have to spend Christmas in hospital.

Judith Bates, manager of Premier Travel in Halstead High Street, has started the collection and hopes to deliver the toys to Colchester Hospital after December 19.

She said: “I just think it is really nice to give something back and I feel for the children in hospital away from their families at Christmas times.

“It is something I have always done over the years.”

She is collecting toys, which must be new, for a range of ages and anyone who wishes to donate is asked to drop the presents off at the shop.