SANTA CLAUS made a very special stop-off at Victoria Hospital's Berry Ward on Christmas Day bringing bundles of gifts and festive fun to children ill in hospital -- thanks to your caring Citizen.

Presenters from The Wave were also there with Blackpool DJ Joe Curran as they handed out dozens of presents to the 28 poorly children who were unfortunate enough to be stuck in hospital over Christmas.

The presents, worth a staggering £1,000, came through kind donations and fund-raising events in and around Blackpool for the Care for Kids Appeal, which is backed by The Citizen.

Appeal organiser Joe said: "It was absolutely fantastic to see the children's faces light up as they opened the presents. I think it made a huge difference to their Christmas and all the children from toddlers to teenagers seemed pleased with the presents.

"It was a great success this year and it is thanks to everyone's fund-raising efforts throughout the year. We are also buying the ward some new bed linen for the new year."

Nursery nurse for the Berry Ward Teresa Watson said: "The presents were gratefully received and the children put them to good use.

"There was absolutely tons of presents for them and the children and staff really enjoyed it all. Many even said it was one of the best Christmases they had ever had."

The Care for Kids Appeal will continue this year and organiser Joe Curran stressed that there are many children still in need and requiring help.

If you would like to help you can still send a cheque or postal order made out to Citizen Care for Kids Appeal, The Citizen, St Annes Buildings, Clifton Drive North, St Annes, FY8 2NA.