A TEAM of students have spread some festive cheer when they hand delivered Christmas cards to hospital patients.

The A Level Health and Social Care students from Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College (QESFC) called into Darlington Memorial Hospital to cheer up patients.

And they also visited other care settings within the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

Student Charlotte Kirton, who wants to train to be a midwife, said: "Christmas is a time when it’s really important to have people around you, nobody should feel alone."

Whilst Maisie Elliott added: "Being in hospital can be a frightening time, hopefully we have cheered people up and made them feel a little better."

Emma Dinsdale, Course Leader for Health and Social Care at QESFC, said: "When I initially asked students whether they would like to get involved in the idea, they were resoundingly positive and enthusiastic in their response.

"By delivering these cards to people who may not be able to spend the festive period with their family and friends, we hope that it will bring a smile to their face to know that people are thinking of them."