A DARWEN nurse who works at The Christie Hospital in Manchester is hoping people will give generously during the next few weeks to give poorly youngsters a better Christmas.

Andrea Williams, pictured, who works at the young oncology unit at the hospital, looks after young people suffering from serious and terminal cancer.

She and her colleagues are hoping to make Christmas Day more special for the patients by wrapping presents for them.

Andrea is hoping local people will back the campaign by donating gifts suitable for young people, from newborn babies to 24-year-olds, male and female.

She said: "We want to make sure everyone has presents to open on Christmas Day even though they can't be at home for it.

"We are asking for gifts, such as toys and cuddly teddies, but even something as small as a selection box is a help.

"Sainsbury's in Darwen has offered to collect any donated items on our behalf at their store in Redearth Road and I will pick them up and take them over to Christies."