Pupils at a Walthamstow school got into the festive spirit by delivering sacks full of toy to poorly children at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Eden Girls School students raised more than £1,600 through their winter gift programme in a bid to cheer up youngsters facing Christmas on a hospital ward.

Girls visited the hospital on Wednesday (December 20) to give out some 450 presents.

Pupils across all year groups at the Blackhorse Lane school organised a variety of activities to raise money to buy the gifts, including a cinema screening, a sponsored swim, bake sales and sponsored silences.

Shahina Ahmad, Principal of Eden Girls’ School, said: “Through our annual festive winter gift programme, we aim to encourage our pupils to think of others at this busy time of year when many people are celebrating with their families.

“Unfortunately for young patients of Great Ormond Street Hospital the festive season may not be as happy.

“It was our mission to surprise the children with gifts and to put smiles on their faces – a mission our pupils wholeheartedly embraced.”