Sussex-based supplier Turner’s Pies is donating presents to poorly children in West Sussex hospitals.

The first batch of presents from the business’s festive toys campaign was given to the children on Bluefin Children’s Ward in Worthing hospital.

“The response has been overwhelming. When you go on the wards and see the circumstances and situations that these children are putting up with over Christmas, it is the least we can do to try to help being a smile to their faces,” said Joe Turner, senior manager at Turner’s Pies.

Joe Turner has delivered gifts that had been dropped off by customers to collection points at the business’ four stores in Broadwater (Worthing), Chichester, Bognor Regis and Rustington.

“We have many, many, more toys still to deliver and we want to treat the staff, too, so we’ll be taking a few boxes of our delicious mince pies with us for them to enjoy,” said Phil Turner, managing director at Turner’s Pies.

“The toys will make a huge difference. No one wants to be in hospital on Christmas Day,” said Hayley Edwards, hospital play assistant at Worthing hospital.

Turner’s Pies has partnered with Love Your Hospital, a fundraising arm of Western Sussex Hospitals’ NHS Trust, and John Price, the charity’s corporate company fundraiser.

“Huge thanks to the customers at Turner’s Pies for their support. It never ceases to amaze me just how generous people are and, once again, this is the case with this wonderful campaign,” added Price.

The firm’s Steak and Mature Cheddar Pie was voted class champion at this year’s British Pie Awards.