PUPILS from Riddlesden St Mary's Primary School are spreading some festive joy for youngsters spending Christmas in Airedale Hospital.

Members of the school parliament set-up a collection to buy presents for patients on the children's ward.

Enough was raised to create 25 gift bags – containing puzzle books, pens, crayons, sweets and other treats – plus buy extra toys and books for the ward playroom.

May Whitaker, year-four class teacher, said: "This is the first project our school parliament has done and I am so proud of them.

"With the support of children and their parents across the school, they raised an amazing £647 and bought some lovely gifts.

"It’s fantastic to have this link with Airedale Hospital and we hope to do more work with them in the future."

Katie Lister, who received the gifts on behalf of Airedale Hospital & Community Charity, was delighted.

"I couldn’t believe it when I saw all the gift bags – the generosity of the pupils is wonderful," she said.

"The school parliament did incredibly well to organise this donation. These are gifts from children to help other children, which makes them even more special. A heartfelt thank-you goes from all of us here."