STAFF working on the Children's Ward at Yeovil District Hospital have issued a New Year thank you to everyone who made Christmas special for those youngsters too ill to be at home for the holiday.

Gifts included chocolates and posters delivered in person in a special visit by Yeovil Town's star footballers, presents donated by regulars at The Arrow pub, and children's gifts from the Royal Navy.

A larger-than-life Santa arrived with 72 wrapped gifts courtesy of town store Wilkinsons. The jolly Father Christmas - alias Ken Nelson - brought gifts for all ages and said hello to all the young patients, along with his helper from the store's grotto, Sharon Cooper.

Ken, who looks forward to his festive job in the town every year, is particularly convincing as he works for the rest of the year as a film extra.

He was welcomed by Children's Ward Sister, Sarah Mottram, who said: "We are always delighted to see Santa and all the people who arrive with gifts for the children at Christmas.

"People are incredibly thoughtful and generous. All the staff here would like to thank everyone who not only arrived with gifts, but kindly sent them in, some anonymously. Every single gift helps lift the spirits of not only patients and their families, but staff as well, because we can make the ward as homely as possible."

The Mayor of Yeovil, Cllr Julian Freke, also delivered tins of biscuits to all of the hospital wards.

Sister Mottram added: "Thanks to our local community we never feel forgotten and this generosity is appreciated all year round."