A GROUP of cheerleaders put a smile on the faces of youngsters when they made a special appearance on a children's hospital ward yesterday.

The Shamrocks visited ward 21 at Darlington Memorial Hospital, where they presented a cheque for £300.

The cheerleaders, from the Barnard Castle area in County Durham, have raised thousands of pounds for charity in the past few years.

They donated the money to the children's ward because so many of the girls have either been a patient or have known a friend or relative who has received treatment.

The Shamrocks' next big event will be at the Barnard Castle Meet weekend, which will coincide with the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations in June.

They hope to raise hundreds of pounds throughout the year and are aiming to show off their routine before a Darlington football match.

Jackie Holmes, whose daughter Emily is a founder member, said: "They work so hard to raise money to give to charity, especially organisations that help less fortunate children.

"They practise regularly and it has paid off because they are becoming a very popular act. Hopefully, the children on the ward got a nice surprise.