Christmas came early for patients at Oxford's Children's Hospital, thanks to the efforts of pupils at a county comprehensive school.

Youngsters from Bartholomew School in Eynsham gathered outside Sainsbury's, Heyford Hill, Oxford, on Saturday, December 8, to raise money for presents and equipment at the hospital.

And on Monday they visited wards to hand out gifts.

The fundraising drive was the idea of Bev Green, a student support worker at the school, whose godson, Oliver Lay, two, has heart problems.

When Oliver's mother, Helen, from Chipping Norton, told her how helpful staff at the hospital had been, Mrs Green, from Bicester, was determined to help.

Through the collection and a non-uniform day in November, pupils raised £1,749. After paying for presents and decorations, there was £800 left, which will be spent on sensory equipment for babies and disabled patients.

Ms Green said: "We filled eight big bags with pres- ents. Most will be handed out on Christmas Day.

"Four students came with me to the hospital and they enjoyed handing out presents to patients in the Drayson Ward and the playroom.

"There were board games, CDs, books, dolls, soft toys, and puzzles.

"We tried to think of presents that would appeal to a wide age range, from babies to adolescents.

"Staff at the children's hospital were delighted with our efforts."

Pupil Becky Treadwell, 15, said: "It was great to hand out presents and have a look around the hospital."

One of the patients who received a present, a Shrek game, was Jacob Goves, three, who has leukaemia.

His mother, Sarah Radband, from Bampton, near Witney, said: "Jacob really enjoyed himself - it's a lovely idea to buy presents for the children.

"I hope other children enjoy it as much here on Christmas Day when we will be coming in to pick up some medicine."

Claire Hooper, a spokes- man for the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign, said: "We really appreciate the efforts of pupils from Bartholomew School, who were remarkably successful with their fundraising.

"The children's eyes lit up when they saw the presents and I'm sure it will be the same when Father Christmas comes round the wards on Christmas Day."

The £30m hospital, on the John Radcliffe site in Headington, opened in January and treats 65,000 patients a year.

Community fundraisers are paying £15m towards the £30m cost of the hospital. So far they have raised £13.7m.