POLICE officers have helped to spread some Christmas cheer to children spending the lead-up to Christmas in hospital.
Father Christmas joined officers and staff from Durham Constabulary to hand out presents to youngsters on the children’s ward at Darlington Memorial Hospital.
For the past month, generous members of staff at Darlington Police Station have been collecting and wrapping dozens of presents, which include chocolate treats, toys and books.
Any extra presents will be donated to the Salvation Army who will give them to vulnerable children who might not otherwise have a present to open on Christmas morning.
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Orford said: “It has been fantastic to help bring some smiles to children who are in hospital in the run up to Christmas.
“We’ve had such a brilliant response to our Christmas present appeal in Darlington.
Children’s ward manager at Darlington Memorial Hospital, Jayne Auld, said: “It’s lovely that police officers and their colleagues have thought about the children. Our priority is giving the children the care they need but visits like this, and a gift, certainly lift their spirits."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here