Businessman Craig Burton is forsaking his clients this year - to help sick children at a city hospital.

Mr Burton, who runs The Works recruitment agency in Little Germany, is giving cash he would normally spend on clients' Christmas cards and gifts of wine and whisky to the Bradford Royal Infirmary.

He hit on the idea after reading in the Telegraph & Argus how nurses from the hospital's casualty unit had valuable raffle prizes stolen from their car.

The theft scuppered the nurses' plans for a fundraising draw, so Mr Burton has stepped in with a £250 donation.

His gift will be used to buy toys and books which will help comfort children waiting for treatment in the accident and emergency department.

Craig, founder and director of The Works, said: "I saw something in the T & A saying they had had prizes stolen out of a car and decided to do something.

"Christmas cards and presents cost an absolute fortune and arguably it's a waste of money and is getting old hat.

"This year, we have spent the money - about £1,000 altogether - on donations to three hospitals, including Bradford Royal Infirmary. I hope our clients will understand when they read this in the T&A."

Tony Shenton, head of service at the accident and emergency department, said: "We are absolutely delighted and it's very generous of him. We are very grateful. We are going to use the money to make children's stay in the hospital as pleasant as possible, so we'll be buying something for the children's waiting area."

He said the donation was especially appreciated after the disappointment of the raffle prizes being stolen.