A TOY bonanza is putting a big smile on the faces of young hospital patients.

Staff from Darlington Building Society visited the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton to hand over a huge bundle of toys for children of all ages.

The special delivery to the short stay paediatric assessment unit was part of the Society’s 160th birthday celebrations and their commitment to help 160 local organisations.

Society officials Roberta Chan and Henri Kennedy dropped off everything from cars and dinosaurs to painting supplies, books, dummies and flasks - and lucky Henry Whitehead, a nine-year-old from Thirsk, was one of the first patients to get to play with the gifts.

“It’s lovely to give something back as when I was younger I was in hospital quite a bit and it’s great we can help out children and staff this way,” said Roberta.

Henri added: “We hope the toys will help to cheer the children up a bit – it can be a little daunting coming into hospital so hopefully this can help them take their minds off things.”