A NEW campaign to ensure poorly and/or injured children are made comfortable in the Countess of Chester Hospital this Christmas has been launched.

The Children's Hospital Pyjamas campaign is calling on people to donate brand new pairs of pyjamas for youngsters who are unfortunate enough to be spending the festive season in hospital.

Each year, the charity collects donations of brand new pyjamas from new-born to age 18, in all sizes, which are then gifted to hospital on Christmas morning.

In reality, they are also used in other situations where children may have had their clothes cut off in A&E or in an emergency situation where there hasn't been time to pack essentials.

People are urged to donate a new pair of non-fleece pyjamas, perhaps by organising a collection at work, through family and friends, via a PJ Day or pyjama party, or simply by donating a pair.

Local donation points have been set up in the borough.

Pyjamas can be donated at the Hair Shop Chester in the Forum Shopping Centre, in the Haberdashery Shop in the Port Arcades, Ellesmere Port, or the JTO Vintage and The Old bank Tea Rooms in Chester Road, Helsby. More donation points are expected to be set up in the next few weeks.

Pyjamas should not be wrapped as they need to be checked by the hospital. It is preferred not to donate Christmas-themed pyjamas as excess pairs donated can be used throughout the year.

To make things easier, an Amazon wishlist has been set up, where people can easily purchase pyjamas that will go directly to the appeal. To see the list, visit https://www.amazon.co.uk/hz/wishlist/ls/394ISJF6P6KCK