NEWBORNS and young children at Basingstoke hospital were surprised with gifts in the run-up to Christmas.

The hospital was the final stop for Sherborne St John based skincare brand Childs Farm’s 3,800 mile tour of the country’s hospitals, delivering gifts using sel-clad Childs Farm Defender car.

It was the aim of the firm to come armed with hundreds of bags of moisturisers, colouring books and muslins, to cheer up those that cannot be at home at this special time of year.

Neonatal nurse Fiona Porro, on at Basingstoke hospital said: “We really appreciate the gift, as this is obviously a very stressful time for parents, and children who are ill over the Christmas period.

“The gifts have definitely brought delight and happiness to the families of the ward at this special time of year - it’s so nice to see that Santa has included the babies in the hospital in his deliveries.

“We just want to thank Childs Farm for thinking of us at this time of year, we really appreciate your generosity.”

Upon completing their travels the team has gifted 3,500 babies and children in 39 hospitals and hospices across the country, arriving at the final destination, the brand’s home town of Basingstoke, led by Childs Farm founder Joanna Jensen.

Joanna said: “We know of the incredible work happening at our local hospital so we were delighted to pay them a visit; if we can help to put smiles on the faces of staff, parents, babies and children, then our Christmas mission is accomplished.

“At Childs Farm, we are motivated by the ethos that no child should be left out, and particularly at such a special time of year.

“We’re hoping to give the gift of making bath time a little more fun for everyone this Christmas.”