Tots from a Greenock nursery cheer up patients at Inverclyde Royal

Patients in the hospital's Larkfield Unit say the 'little angels' from Bluebird Family Centre are like a ray of sunshine and lift their spirits.

The wee ones, who have been visiting the hospital for the past two years, enjoy chatting with the patients and also perform songs and join in various activities.

Councillor David Wilson, who is currently in the Larkfield Unit following treatment for spinal problems, says the children's visits are a real tonic.

The depute provost said: “I have been treated in the main hospital then moved to the Larkfield Unit for two weeks of rehab.

“The care has been exemplary, so much so I am going home on Friday – well done to the IRH.

“I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the kids singing – and the big kids too!

"There has been a week of activities organised, with the Clydeside Singers and then the children of the Bluebird Nursery.

"It’s been really enjoyable – it brightened up my day."

Fellow patient Mary Orange was also thrilled by the visit - especially as she was reunited with Hiltje Mulholland, the early years education and child care officer at the nursery, who she taught 48 years ago.

She said: “I am in hospital because I broke my leg.

"I have been very well looked after and really enjoyed hearing the children singing and of course meeting up with Hiltje after all these years.

"We were well entertained and the group enjoyed singing with the children."

Grace McKay, four, loves visiting the hospital and meeting all the patients.

She said: “I like singing 'You cannae shove yer granny off the bus’, it's my favourite.

"We got nice cakes to take back to nursery to eat after our lunch."

Hiltje, who came up with the idea to take the children into the hospital, said it has been a huge success.

She said: "I came up with the idea after seeing something on TV and I thought it was lovely to see children develop a connection with older people.

"The first few times I took different groups of children up to sing songs.

"But I soon realised it would be better if the same children went back to visit so they can build their confidence and get to know the staff.

"It has been a big success, the children's confidence has really grown.

"Now they go in and talk to patients and ask them questions."

May Derrick, who is the hospital activities co-ordinator, added: "Both the children and the patients get so much pleasure out of it.

"The patients are often missing their family members so when the kids come in the ward it’s like a ray of sunshine.

“Even if you’re feeling a bit low it changes right up.

"We have sing-songs, do arts and crafts and the kids chat to the patients about different things.

"It’s so enjoyable."