AIREDALE Hospital & Community Charity has launched its annual Christmas gift appeal.

The public is being asked to donate presents for patients who will be spending the festive season at Airedale Hospital.

Gifts are sought for people of all ages.

Laura Hepworth, community fundraiser with the charity, says: "Our annual gift appeal is the perfect way to provide some home comforts, festive cheer and a touch of normality for patients who stay on our wards over Christmas.

"Not everyone has the opportunity to go home at Christmastime, so we do our very best to ensure everybody’s hospital stay is really special, but we need people's help to do it.

"Whether it’s a pair of fluffy socks, a soft blanket, or colouring or puzzle books, the power of gifting is in your hands.

"All we ask is that the gifts are not wrapped, but put in a small box or bag with a label indicating the intended age and gender."

Gifts can be dropped off at the charity's office, location C33, at the hospital.

The closing date for donations is December 11.

Anyone seeking guidance or wishing to organise a drop off can contact the charity on anhsft.charity@nhs.net or 01535 294870.