Hospital patients unable to make it home for Christmas day were given an extra present courtesy of a kind hearted group.

Members of Halstead Hospital League of Friends collected gifts for patients at Halstead Hospital.

The gifts, which ranged from chocolate to toiletries were handed out by staff at Halstead Hospital and members of the league of friends.

Chairman Jackie Pell was delighted to be involved.

She said: “They were all so grateful and pleased with the presents.

“It’s easy to forget that some people spend Christmas day in hospital so it was very nice to be there and see everyone.

“There were some really good gifts handed out and it was nice to the patients sharing them with their visitors and family later in the day.

“People were asking all about the League and wanting to find out more which is great because it’s typical of Halstead and shows what a lovely town we have.”

The Halstead Hospital League of Friends had been helped out by staff at Solar supermarket who earlier this month had raised £340 for the charity.

Money was raised during a dressing up day and staff raffle.

The funds raised went towards buying some of the gifts.

Any money left over was then set aside for party food for the patients and their families to enjoy over the festive period. The League helps relieve patients and supports the charitable work at the hospital relying on unpaid volunteers. Email andy.green@r-edwards.com