Children who have to stay in hospital over the holidays were overjoyed yesterday to receive gifts from students and staff at the University of Bradford.

Following the success of its Christmas Present Appeal last year, the School of Health Studies at the university has again been busy collecting gifts for children spending the festive season in hospital.

Some of the most seriously-ill youngsters will not be able to go home for Christmas and in Bradford Royal Infirmary alone, more than 65 children and young people will spend Christmas on the wards. Shirley Congdon, Dean of the School of Health Studies, said: “This brings some festive cheer to families with children in hospital over Christmas.”