SICK children who are hospitalised often make astonishing recoveries with the aid of the best medicine of all -- fun and laughter.

Even the smallest toy for a child to play with can distract them from their suffering and help aid recovery.

But supplies on the children's wards at the Royal Bolton Hospital are getting low, especially toys suitable for toddlers.

And staff are now appealing to generous Bolton folk to donate equipment for their poorly youngsters to play with.

They believe the shortage of toys is caused by the children who become attached to them in hospital -- and end up taking them home.

Staff do not mind but it does leave them short of playthings for new arrivals.

Children's play co-ordinator Lydia Hill said: "We are currently running low on toys, particularly suitable for toddlers.

"Play really is wonderful therapy and it's what children do. It can distract them from their pain, help them take control of their own recovery and also provides help for parents."

The hospital does provide a budget for play equipment but the majority of the cash is spent on therapeutic art equipment like paper and paint.

They rely on donations for the majority of their toys.

Lydia added: "Toys do get broken or children take them home when they become attached to them.

"We don't mind that because child's play is a high priority in our care for them. We just want to make sure there are toys available for the poorly children who need them."

Staff say soft toys are unsuitable because of the risk on contamination, but they would love to receive any durable, fun toys.

Anyone who would like to donate suitable ones should contact B2 children's ward on Bolton 390715.