CHRISTMAS came a little early to the patients on Anstey Ward at Alton Community Hospital last week when pupils from Butts Primary School and Amery Hill School brought them some festive cheer.

The Amery Hill pupils, aged 11 to 16, called in last Monday to sing carols and talk to the patients with the added bonus of hearing music by the Amery School Brass Ensemble.

In contrast, the pupils from The Butts School were a mix of six and seven year olds accompanied by teacher Ruth West two days later. They were carrying out a tradition started a few years ago where pupils from the school bring festive cheer to the patients at this time of the year.

After singing a selection of favourite carols the pupils stayed to talk to the patients and wish them a merry Christmas.