ROYAL Surrey County Hospital has been overwhelmed by the response to its Christmas present Appeal.

The Trust has received more than 850 beautifully decorated shoe boxes filled with festive treats.

The hospital had initially hoped to provide every elderly patient in hospital with a gift to open on Christmas Day.

However, due to the astounding response from the local community, Royal Surrey is delighted to announce that it will now be able to ensure every in-patient receives a present on December 25.

Director of nursing Louise Stead said: “We know that no-one wants to spend Christmas in hospital and for some of our patients this can mean not receiving a visit from friends and family.

“Our staff work tirelessly to make Christmas a happy time for our patients and these donations will help to make the day just a bit more special.”