A ROCKING horse made by a Bolton Wanderers groundsman was presented to children who spent Easter in hospital.

Dave Melling, who has been a groundsman at the Euxton training ground for 18 months, makes rocking horses in his spare time.

And, after Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce bought one for his grandson, also Sam, at Christmas, he vowed the club should buy one for children staying at the Royal Bolton Hospital. Keeping the boss's promise, defender Anthony Barness presented staff and children on ward G5 with the rocking horse, which is worth around £500. Sister Kirsten Norris said: "The rocking horse will make a welcome addition to the playroom in the ward. It will make sure the children have a more enjoyable time when they are poorly and have to stay in hospital."

Mr Barness spent a short time signing autographs for children.

He said: "The club are only too happy to help out when it comes to making poorly children feel a bit better and the rocking horse is the perfect way to put a smile of their faces."