A GROUP of students raised £827 for the children’s ward at Airedale Hospital.

The 15 young people, from schools in Keighley and Skipton, carried out the fundraising as part of their work on the National Citizen Service programme.

They used the funds to buy a range of items from the ward's wishlist – including colouring books and pens, toys and a slide.

A spokesperson for the group said: "We wanted to make the children happy during a hard time. We all agreed that it's a good cause and important for the community.

"We did a sponsored walk around the area and had a bake sale, and asked friends and family to donate."

Tribute is paid by Ruth Matthews, children’s play specialist at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

She said: "Thank you so much to the students for their amazing work and for donating lots of lovely toys, games and craft activities."