HUNDREDS of Christmas elves have made their way to children's wards in Darlington and Teesside as part of a joint initiative by The Northern Echo and Boyes department stores.

The annual teddy appeal, which delivers stuffed toys to children's wards in Darlington Memorial Hospital, James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and the University Hospital of North Tees each Christmas, this year sent stuffed elf toys instead.

It is the 17th year the appeal has taken place, and yesterday saw the last of the sackfuls of elves arrive by special delivery at Darlington Memorial, by staff from The Northern Echo.

The appeal is sponsored by numerous businesses in the area and became an annual event after starting in 1999.

This year, toys will also be given out to cheer any children up who have to visit Accident and Emergency, and community nurses will also distribute them on their calls.

Soft toys are donated by Boyes Department Store each year to help spread good cheer for sick children at Christmas.

Katherine Kitching, business manager at The Northern Echo, said: "The children loved the elves, which have velcro on their hands so they can hug them."