HOSPITALS in Oxfordshire are appealing for residents and businesses to help bring a smile to the faces of patients who spend their Christmas at hospital.

Each year gift-givers from Oxfordshire and beyond donate thousands of presents and toys to young patients at the Oxford Children's Hospital and Horton General Hospital Children's Ward in an effort to make Christmas more pleasant for young patients.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is requesting that any groups or individuals wishing to distribute gifts organise the donation in advance with lead play specialist Erica Watson (erica.watson@ouh.nhs.uk), before Friday, November 16.

This year the trust is also encouraging people to consider supporting other areas in hospitals, such as wards looking after older patients

For more information on how to donate contact the Oxford Hospitals Charity team (charity@ouh.nhs.uk).