CUDDLY reindeer are helping spread some Christmas cheer at a Hampshire hospital.

Haskins Garden Centre in West End donated the toys to Southampton Children’s Hospital.

The garden centre has delivered 75 reindeers to the ward to help bring a smile to the faces of poorly children this Christmas.

Alasdair Urquhart, marketing co-ordinator at Haskins, said: “It was a privilege to visit the staff at Southampton Children’s Hospital to deliver the reindeers. They were a fantastic team and it’s great knowing that the reindeer will really make a difference to the kids who find themselves in the unfortunate position of spending Christmas in hospital.”

Jane Gould from Southampton Children’s Hospital Charity, said: “A hospital is not a place where you would want to be as a child over the Christmas period so thanks to Haskins’ generous donation, each child will now be able to receive a reindeer. It’s easy to underestimate the joy a brand new cuddly toy will bring a child."