A FERRYHILL woman has bought gifts for a children's hospital ward with donations she received from people visiting her home to view the elaborate Christmas decorations.

Ann Fisher, of Lilac Road, Chilton Lane, transformed her house into a Father Christmas's grotto.

Visitors came from all over the county to see the lights and raised £221 for the children's ward at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

Mrs Fisher used the money to buy compact discs, games, computer games, videos, toys and a Sony PlayStation, which she has presented to the hospital.

In addition, Mrs Fisher, who entered The Northern Echo's Ho Ho Homes Competition for the best festively decorated house in the North-East, also held a free raffle for children who visited her house.

The winners were Daniel Harrison, Matthew Tucker, Alex Sowerby and Ross Taylor, all from Ferryhill, who received £5 gift vouchers