A FUNDRAISING group delivered early Christmas presents to children at Worcestershire Royal Hospital.

Independent Fundraisers of Worcester gave 50 selection boxes to the Riverbank Children's Ward which will be now be distributed amongst the children who are in hospital over Christmas.

Kath Smith from Independent Fundraisers said: "We have a soft spot for children and we are really pleased to be able to donate these presents and hope all of the children in Riverbank get well soon and particularly those that are so ill they have to stay in hospital over Christmas".

Independent Fundraisers has delivered presents to the hospital for the last four years and this year's were sponsored by Bert Andrews & Son, a specialist building contractors based in Worcester.

Joy Powell, hospital play leader from the children's ward, said: "The early delivery will allow the presents to be distributed to children and their siblings over the Christmas period and to the day patients having operations in Kidderminster.

"They will really appreciate the gifts and will help to brighten them up."

The fundraising group will be collecting outside Asda in Worcester on Saturday, December 9 and 16.

They will be raising money for Fort Royal Community Primary School on Sunday, December 10 and 17.

For more information visit ifworcester.co.uk.