A CROSS Hills woman is hoping to help local cancer patients in the festive season by preparing and donating 'Blessing Bags' for those undergoing chemotherapy at Airedale Hospital this winter.

Joanne Kelly says the unit has up to 40 patients per day and she would love to try and reach and help as many of the families there as possible this year.

She is taking "Blessings Bags" to had out to patients to help them through the difficult time.

Last year she took more than 60 bags to the hospital and this year aims to reach 100.

The bags contain fluffy socks for comfort and keeping warm, a warm hat, mints to take the taste from the back of the throat, tissues to help with a common runny nose problem, ginger biscuits to help against nausea, hand cream and lip balm to alleviate skin dryness, chamomile tea to aid calmness and colouring pads and pens to give patients something to do as they take the treatment.

Bags cost £17 for a full bag and £8.50 for a half bag.

Individuals and businesses can sponsor a bag or part bag and can add their name and a message if they wish.

Skipton Craven Rotary Club has donated £204 to the initiative to cover 12 bags which was presented to Ms Kelly by former president Brian Stott.

Anyone wishing to sponsor a bag or anyone who can donate items for the bags can contact: jpk3lly@hotmail.com with more information. PayPal donations can use the same email address.