GIFT packs containing essential equipment for people going into hospital at a moments notice have been donated to health chiefs.

Blackburn Lions have donated 200 packs, each containing a facecloth, soap, shampoo, disposable toothbrush and toothpaste, to the Medical Assessment Unit at Blackburn Royal Infirmary.

They are free to any patients which require them.

Blackburn Lions vice-president Harry Pennington, said the club got the idea from a similar scheme currently in place in Huddersfield. He said: "On the face of it, it's a small thing compared to some of the projects we take on.

"But there is enough stress for people admitted at short notice without having to worry that they had no time to pack and so we believe the initiative is worthwhile."

Nurse managers Lesley Gaw and Yvonne Jump accepted the packs on behalf of BRI.

Lesley said: "We are grateful to the Lions and think this is a great idea, because anything which helps to settle the patients when first admitted is beneficial to them and helps us concentrate on the primary business of diagnosis and treatment."

The packs will be split between the departments with medical getting 100 packs and the orthopaedic department and maternity and gynaecology departments receiving 50 each.

A spokesman for site services thanked the club for its 'generous donation,' adding: "We very much appreciate this offer and the patients will benefit greatly from it."