YOUNGSTERS from St Joseph's School brought Easter cheer to elderly patients at Princess Margaret Hospital when they delivered a collection of chocolate eggs.

Pupils from the Roman Catholic school raised enough money to buy 300 eggs through contributions from most pupils.

They were taken to patients on Goddard, Schofield and Rolleston wards at PMH.

The school's vicar, Father Kevin Hennessey, said: "The children have done remarkably well to raise enough money to buy these eggs.

"This is the third year we have done this and it is always very popular with the elderly folk.

"Of course, the eggs are just a token. The idea is to bring the young people and the elderly together."

Hospital chaplain Tony Guilfoyle said: "One of the biggest people that people have when they are in hospital is dealing with the boredom. Anything like this which is a break from the routine is welcomed."

Former Rover worker Paul Doble, 70, was among the patients visited.

He said: "It is wonderful to see these youngsters, it has really brightened up my day."

And fellow patient Eria Snook, 78, said: "It is such a surprise to have someone come and visit us here. It really lifts my heart to see them all."