Charity Hope 4 Kidz brought a smile to almost 100 children's faces when they donated chocolate selection boxes to children on wards F63 and F64 at the hospital.

The boxes were left over from a party for special needs children at Pennywell Community entre.

The children had a party to remember, with Santa Claus dropping in, and a spectacular interactive Christmas Show with magician Martin Duffy.

Vivien Watts, chief executive of the charity, said: "Seeing the children's delight at receiving early gifts was an absolute pleasure.

"Seeing the children so happy makes what Hope 4 Kidz provides extra special, and next year it is hoped we can make Christmas even more exciting for the children."

All the selection boxes were donated by Virgin Media and Monument Mall, while Nestle also donated sweets and biscuits.

Surplus selection boxes and sweets will be distributed throughout the North East, including the University Hospital Durham, Sunderland Eye Infirmary and the Millenium Centre, Washington.