A BROMSGROVE woman plans to say "thank you" to a group of nurses who helped her come through a serious illness by raising money to buy vital equipment.

Every December, Bridget Kings, who admits to being crackers about Christmas, turns the living room of her home in Grafton Crescent, Charford, into a fairytale grotto complete with resident Santa.

Every night, up to the 24th, a stream of wide-eyed youngsters from all over the Midlands visit Santa and receive a gift in return for a donation to Bridget's chosen good cause.

This year she's helping the Hospital at Home team.

Over the years she has raised thousands of pounds for charity.

She explained last winter she almost died from a severe bout of pneumonia, but was nursed back to health by the team which is on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and is based at the Princess of Wales Hospital.

"They do a marvellous job and I want to show my appreciation by buying a blood monitor for patients taking warfarin," she said.

Any cash left over she plans to donate to little David Jones from Catshill.

He touched the heart of thousands of our readers when we told how he can only play outside after dark because sunlight makes him ill.

Bridget begins her preparations in January when she starts wrapping the hundreds of gifts she buys from her own pocket.

"Every penny donated goes to my good cause," she said.

Sister Donna Jones, deputy team leader with the nurse group, said: "We are overwhelmed by Bridget's generous gesture."

For an appointment to see Santa call Bridget on (01527) 831260.

Hundreds of drivers make a detour every year to view the brilliantly decorated exterior of her home. Bridget says she will be happy to receive donations through her letter box from appreciative passers by.