A SPONSORED walk staged at Crossflatts by grammar school pupils is set to become an annual event.

Year-seven students at Bingley Grammar have taken part in the five-kilometre trek for the past two years.

The walks have together raised nearly £9,000 to provide specialist equipment and home comforts for patients on Bradford Royal Infirmary's new paediatric wards.

Top individual fundraisers were given a sneak preview of one of the wards, due to open later this month as part of a new £28 million wing at the hospital.

And the youngsters were treated to lunch and a visit to BRI's simulation centre.

Students from the school have also produced artistic designs to brighten-up the children's unit.

Over the past 12 months, pupils from all year groups have been involved in workshops to devise themes, colour schemes and ideas.

Their creations include a doodling wall and a 'selfie' area where young patients can post pictures and notes.

Consultant paediatrician, Simon Frazer, said: "It's fantastic that the students have contributed in this way.

"They completely understand that it is important for our patients, as well as their families and carers, to have an environment which is as comfortable and relaxing as possible as this can speed up recovery during what can be a very difficult time.

"Their ideas will really make a difference and the children should be proud of their efforts."

School head, Luke Weston, said the pupils were thrilled to see their designs become reality.

"Originally our students were focussing on the adolescent area but the designers were so impressed with the sophistication of their work that they took on board ideas for the rest of the wing," he said.

"We are really pleased that the school has been able to contribute and provide a long-lasting legacy for the new paediatric wards."