A Christmas gift appeal has been launched aiming to collect 900 presents.

The Royal Berkshire Hospital’s voluntary services team is seeking support from the community to ensure every patient in hospital on Christmas Day receives a gift.

These gifts can be particularly important for those without family or friends visiting.

The voluntary services team has set up several collection points with businesses and services where donations can be dropped off directly.

The locations include the Royal Berkshire Hospital Main Reception, Link Café in Tilehurst, and various leisure centres and libraries across the area.

Alternatively, people can purchase items from an Amazon wishlist, which includes a wide range of items for patients to enjoy, starting from just a couple of pounds.

The wishlist gives the option of having gifts delivered directly to the hospital.

To allow the volunteers time to sort, wrap, and distribute the presents to the wards in time for Christmas morning, they are asking for donations to be made by December 16.

Sukhi Sidhu, Voluntary Service Manager, expressed gratitude for the community's support, saying, "We are always so grateful for the generosity of our community and partners and cannot thank everyone enough for their ongoing kindness."

Suggested presents for older patients include toiletries, puzzle books, jigsaws, books, chocolates or biscuits, scarves, hats, and gloves.

Toys, books, or colouring books are recommended for younger patients.