THREE of Santa's little helpers have been busy collecting gifts to donate to ambulance staff.

Lilliarna Warwick, aged eight, is on a mission to bring festive cheer to paramedics after she saw them help her mother.

She has recruited the help of her cousins Lucca and Ashton Warwick and is now appealing for donations of presents to hand out at Christmas.

The three eight-year-olds will be dressing up in full elf attire and distributing gifts to the North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) depot in Redgate Way, Farnworth.

Lilliarna, from Radcliffe, said: "I'm taking presents to the paramedics who make my mum better."

The Wesley Methodist Primary School pupil chose NWAS as the recipient of the gifts after seeing paramedics look after her mother Melissa Warwick.

Melissa, aged 37, has received medical assistance for pain in her back, which has been diagnosed as degenerative disc disease, as well as for gallstones.

She said: "I think it is brilliant that these children are taking presents to the ambulance service.

"It made me really proud of Lilliarna. She is only eight and she has mithered me to do this.

"My health has not been great these past couple of years and I have had to call for paramedics. Lilliarna has seen that and wanted to help. It is just amazing.

"We are also really grateful for the help that Wesley Methodist has given us with the appeal."

In 2014, the family donated presents to older patients receiving care at Fairfield General Hospital. Then, last year, they gathered gifts for children at the hospital.

For 2018, residents and businesses are being asked to donate small presents such as chocolates, biscuits, socks, hats, gloves, travel cups and shower gel gift sets.

The family has planned to deliver the goods on Monday, December 17 — to coincide with Lilliarna's ninth birthday.

To support their Christmas mission, gifts can be dropped off at 19 Pilkington Road, Radcliffe, M26 3PF. Alternatively, email melissa52@hotmail.co.uk to arrange a collection.