Three Stanford-le-Hope youngsters were so taken by stories of hard-up Basildon Hospital that they decided to do something about it.

Glen, 13, Laura, ten and seven-year-old Kelly Lamb have organised a table sale at the Homesteads Village Hall in Dunstable Road, to raise funds for the hospital's maternity unit. It will be on Saturday, May 1, between noon and 3.30pm.

Mum, Cathy, said: "We know several people who have had babies there recently and the children were surprised that there were not enough fans to cool people down and that the radios were falling apart.

"When I contacted the hospital about their idea they said they needed mats and posters for the parent craft classes."

Mrs Lamb added that all the money raised from hiring tables and entrance fees (25p) will go to the hospital - which has also promised a table of its own.

She said: "The sale will take the form of an 'indoor boot sale', so anyone who may be interested in having their own stall can phone me on 01375 645136. Tables will be £6.00 if booked in advance, or £8.00 on the day."

There is also a Basildon Hospital Table, so if you have any unwanted articles that you wish to donate, please phone Cathy on the above number to arrange collection.

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