POORLY children have been cheered up by a delivery of chocolate to their beds at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

The Easter eggs were donated by Virgin Money Giving in Stockton, which gave half of the sweet treats it had collected to Christian charity, Sowing Seeds Ministries.

They were gratefully received by the children’s ward at the Middlesbrough hospital, said senior sister, Katie Hands.

“We would like to say a big thank you for this generous donation. It is lovely for the children to receive the gift of an Easter egg while in hospital and I am sure they will be enjoyed.”

Tracey Porritt from Sowing Seeds Ministries which visits prisons and prisoners to spread their faith message, added: “We are extremely thankful to have been chosen by Virgin Money Giving in Stockton to receive half of the Easter eggs they have had donated during its special Easter campaign.”