LITTLE children from a nursery drew pictures and created cards to thank the nurses for Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals for their hard work.

Three and four year-olds from Tops Day Nursery, based at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, presented their crafts to Paula Shobbrook, director of nursing at Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals, Ellen Bull, deputy director of nursing and members of their nursing teams.

It took place in recognition of International Nurses' Day and the anniversary of Florence Nightingale's birthday, on May 12.

Paula Shobbrook, director of nursing, said that she was delighted to receive the cards on behalf of the nurses at the Trust.

She added: "The cards are absolutely beautiful and the messages inside are really moving. We are honoured that the children have spent their time making something so special for our nurses. It means so much."

Designs on the cards featured painted flowers and messages from each child included 'Thank you for fixing my ears', 'Thank you for being nice and kind to everyone and helping them every day' and 'Thank you for making my sister's legs better.'

Magda Zuber, nursery manager at Tops Day Nursery, said: "The children were so excited the nurses would be visiting. Many of the children have parents who work at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, or have older brothers and sisters who have needed treatment there, so they understand how important our nurses are.

"They loved making the cards and really wanted to do something very special for the nurses to celebrate them on Nurses’ Day."

The cards were then place on show in the atrium of Royal Bournemouth Hospital for visitors to see before being taken around the wards for the nurses to share and keep.

Staff were also treated to cakes supplied by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) East Dorset branch.