A SCHOOLGIRL from Ingleton responded to a charity appeal by collecting dozens of donated toys to ensure children in hospital receive a Christmas gift.

Nine-year-old Kathryn Robinson collected new toys, books and puzzles donated by her friends at Ingleton Primary School after hearing about an appeal launched by Skipton charity The Principle Trust and Airedale Hospital and Community Charity.

Further donations were received from kind-hearted staff at SCAPA Healthcare in Gargrave and Skipton based safeguarding software specialists CPOMS Systems. Chairman of Craven District Council, Cllr Alan Sutcliffe also supported the appeal, as well as staff from Airedale Hospital, The Principle Trust and Otley based Greenholme Carpets

Staff at the trust have now handed over 360 donated new toys to hospital staff, for distribution to their young patients.

Kerry Magson from The Principle Trust Children’s Charity said: "We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who donated gifts to help us bring joy to children who will be spending their Christmas in Airedale Hospital."