Staffordshire Police Cadets brought Christmas cheer and gifts to the Children’s Centre at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Some 18 cadets and group leaders from the Longton and Burslem units made the festive trip to chat and hand out presents to the young patients.
The Children’s Centre is currently housing in the region of 40 children of all ages, with some expected to remain in hospital during the festive period.
The cadets, who were established by the Police and Crime Commissioner in 2013 and are delivered by Staffordshire Police, dropped into the hospital to spread goodwill and be given an insight into life in a busy children’s ward.
Matthew Ellis, Staffordshire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: ‘We all love to spend time with our families and loved ones during the festive period.
‘But we mustn’t forget some people can’t always be at home over Christmas and I can only imagine how difficult it is for those families and children.
‘Likewise, the dedication and commitment of medical staff is often taken for granted – for them Christmas and New Year is business as usual. Their work should always be valued and appreciated.
‘I would like to thank our Longton and Burslem cadets for taking time to visit children, bring a smile to a few faces and hand out gifts.
‘We have always tried to instil a strong sense of community spirit with our cadets and there is little doubt they found this week’s visit extremely humbling.’
Kim Woolliscroft, Child Health Matron, said: ‘We’re very grateful that the Staffordshire Police Cadets took time to visit the children and to bring them gifts.
‘Visits like these are very special to the children and it was good to see them having their picture taken wearing one of the cadet’s hats and smiling next to the cadets.
‘I’d like to thank the Police and Crime Commissioner for organising the visit and bringing a bit of Christmas cheer to our Children’s Centre.’
