THE magic of Christmas was brought to children in hospital with a special delivery of early presents.

There were broad smiles on the faces of youngsters at the Royal Bolton Hospital as staff from a travel company delivered their gifts.

Kelly Holmes and Ellie Winstanley, assistant managers at the two Travelcare branches in Bolton arrived at the hospital to hand out toys and games -- donated by Bolton businesses and customers -- to children on B1 and B2 wards.

Enough teddy bears were donated for each child on the wards to have one.

Kelly said: "We've been collecting toys for the hospital since November and companies around the town have been great.

"Many of our customers have joined in, buying dolls and knitting each one their own little outfit."

Charlotte Lewis, aged one, from Bolton, was thrilled to see the mound of dolls, teddies and games -- and just did not know where to start.

She was brought in last week suffering from pneumonia, but hospital staff expected most of the children on the wards to be home in time for Christmas.

However, some of gifts have been kept to one side to be wrapped and given to those children who have to stay in hospital on Christmas Day. Nursery nurse Jennifer Lyne said: "We are really grateful to anyone who donates gifts like this, especially at this time of year. It's a lovely thing to do.

"If there is anyone who has to stay in on Christmas day, it is really helpful to have gifts to give and toys for them to play with."

Travelcare's branches in Bolton are in Bridge Street and at the Morrisons store in Blackhorse Street.