Children, parents, carers and staff at a County Durham nursery are getting into the festive spirit to bring Christmas magic to their neighbours.

Every year Clever Clogs Nursery Group in Bowburn organises a Christmas present tree to ensure that the residents of Bowburn Care Centre get an extra gift under the tree.

The residents each get a gift tag to write down what they’d like for Christmas, and the tags are then hung on the tree in the nursery’s reception for people to take.

Once purchased, the gifts are wrapped and dropped off, with the tags back on. And in the days leading up to Christmas, the nursery’s staff and children become Santa Claus to deliver the presents to the residents.

Nursery Manager Vicky Harrison said: “We love bringing festive cheer to the nursing home residents.

“It’s a little something we can do to ensure Christmas is extra special for them.

“We laughed cause while most gift requests we can fulfil, we did get one resident who requested a younger man for her present this year. As much as we like to give them what they want, unfortunately we couldn’t deliver that for her.

“Every year the generosity shown by our parents, carers and children amazes us. We appreciate things are hard for everyone yet despite that, the gift tags flew off the tree and every single resident’s request was met.

“So thank you to you all, the joy this little festive act of kindness brings to the residents is massive and really does bring a smile to everyone’s face.”

Gifts included smelly sets, chocolates, books and biscuits.