YOUNGSTERS who spent the holiday period in hospital were in "chocolate heaven" thanks to members of a local gym.

Members of The Stables Leisure Club, which is based at the Bolholt Hotel, in Walshaw Road, remembered the patients on the Children's Ward at Fairfield Hospital in the run up to Christmas and donated more than 100 selection box goodies.

Assistant manager Jonathon Butterworth said: "We did a similar scheme at Easter whereby members of the leisure club could invite a friend along to use the facilities if they agreed to donate a chocolate egg. It was so popular that we did it again with selection boxes. We have really had some generous donations."

Staff from the leisure club delivered the post-Christmas treat to cheer up the patients after a busy few days opening presents.