Ref. 26246-45HUNDREDS of pounds have been donated to the children's ward at Swindon's Great Western Hospital.

A summer football tournament, organised by Fish Brothers Renault, raised £675 and several smiles when the money was presented to staff nurses.

More than 120 Fish Brothers staff and customers took part in the competition at the Oasis Leisure Centre last month.

It was followed by a raffle and barbecue at the White Hart pub, in Oxford Road.

Dave Johnson, parts manager at Fish Brothers Renault, said that all the players had fun raising the cash.

Mr Johnson, 35, said: "It was a fantastic day. I'm quite fit so I enjoy that sort of thing. My team got into the quarter finals.

"It's the first time we have held a football tournament to raise money but we have organised other events in the past like skittles evenings and go-kart days.

"Someone suggested we give the money to the hospital and it was agreed it should go to the children's ward."

The ward has a facility for 24 children, but usually has about 15 youngsters at any one time.

Children's ward sister Lin Fitzjohn said: "It is just wonderful. We will put the money to outside play equipment and may buy a couple of electronic tympanic thermometers put in in the ear to take speedy temperatures.

"The money was a lovely surprise," she said.