A BRENT police officer says handing out Christmas presents at a children's ward was “heartwarming”.

PC Colin Hobday, of Northwick Park Safer Neighbourhoods Team, thanked staff at Jack's Place, based in Northwick Park Hospital, for the chance to “brighten the children's Christmas”.

He said: “It was heartwarming to be able to bring a little joy and happiness to their days, and put a smile on their faces during their stay in hospital.”

The team clubbed together to buy gifts for the children stuck in hospital over the festive period and handed them out on Christmas Eve.