CHILDREN stuck in hospital over the Christmas period have been visited by Santa and soldiers bearing presents.

Members of the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery (The North-East Gunners), based at Topcliffe, near Thirsk, North Yorkshire, went along on the trip.

They visited the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, and The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, with presents.

Everyone in the regiment’s sergeants’ mess donated money to buy the presents for the children, and £500 was raised.

Warrant Officer Paul Cummins said: “We have just come back from Afghanistan and during that time the support we have had from people in the North-East has been fantastic. This is our way of giving something back to the public. A way to say thank you very much.”

Sister Jo Simpson said: “It was so nice of soldiers to come and visit the children and bring along some presents for them.

“These guys do a tough job and we have complete respect for their brave service to our country and the sacrifices they have made.”