YOUNGSTERS spending Christmas in hospital were given a different kind of fireman's lift when members of Worcester's fire brigade delivered presents.

Seven firefighters from the retained service handed out gifts yesterday to children who had to spend the festive season in Ronkswood Hospital's children's ward.

The presents, which included cuddly toys, games, and CDs, were donated by big-hearted companies and clubs from Worcester, including Russell & Dorrell, Beatties, Mothercare, Chicago Rock and The Cap and Gown pub in The Tything.

Sub Officer Keith Sheppard thanked all those who had donated gifts, which he said had helped brighten up Christmas for all seven children on the ward.

"We decided we wanted to do something for the children who were in hospital during Christmas," he said.

"It was really about giving those children who may not have had an ideal Christmas something a little extra. We had a great response and would thank all of those who gave presents.

"All the remaining presents will be put to use as nursing staff will be able to give them out as gifts and birthday presents throughout the rest of the year, so they won't be going to waste."

Rachel Lewis, whose two-year-old son Darius received a toy car from the firefighters, said the present had been the perfect pick-me-up for the youngster, who was admitted on Christmas Eve with a chest infection.

"The present has really cheered him up," said the 25-year-old mum.

"It was a wonderful gesture of the firefighters to give up their time like this. It will make the rest of Darius's stay a bit more bearable, and I'm sure it will cheer up the rest of the children."

Hazel Godwin, junior sister on the ward, also praised the firefighters for brightening up the children's Christmas.

"Their faces lit up when they saw the firefighters with all the presents," she said. "We'd like to say thank you to everyone who made this possible."