A GROUP of Wirral firefighters handed out presents to youngsters at Claire House during a special visit to the hospice.

It was the second year that the team, from Heswall fire station, had made the visit.

Firefighter Phil Hodson said: "The children in Claire House have very complex medical conditions and we wanted to put a smile on their faces, particularly at this time of year.

"After giving the children a present during our visit we showed them the fire engine.

"Parents also took pictures of their children wearing a fire helmets and we also put the lights and sirens on for them. To see them so happy was heart-warming and does put life into perspective.

“The visit was great and I hope we made the children we met very happy.”

Claire House Children’s Hospice provides respite and care to children and young adults with life limiting medical conditions. The hospice also looks after the entire family, providing support and counselling for as long as is needed.

Helen Carlson, Wirral area fundraising manager for Claire House, said: "The children loved meeting the team from Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service; it's not every day a fire engine turns up on your door step, thank goodness.

"We're so grateful to the team’s support for helping raise awareness of our cause and bringing a smile to the hospice children and staff at Christmas time.”

For more information on Claire House go to: www.claire-house.org.uk