Hundreds of pounds are being donated to Southmead Hospital's Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) thanks to the generosity of Henleaze traders and local residents.

The money is being presented to the staff at unit in Southmead following the Henleaze Christmas Festival in December. The NICU has recently opened two new baby care rooms for up to 16 infants and a suite of new family rooms, which have been paid for thanks to

fundraising efforts.

It was the third year that the Henleaze Christmas Festival has been held, and it saw a bigger than ever crowd enjoying the colourful mix of stalls, entertainment, late night shopping and a variety of good food.

A team of local volunteers, led by Mike Drysdale of Kondi Brasserie, had spent most of the year planning and organising the event. Mike said, "It was a tribute to their hard work and shows what the community can do"

Much of the £700 which was raised came from the Prize Draw which was also supported by John Lewis Cribbs Causeway who supplied the main prize of a flat screen TV.

Trevor Reid, Head of Fundraising at the hospital said, "We are so grateful for the support of the Henleaze traders and all who donated to the unit.

The £700 will help us pay for new equipment specifically designed for the special care babies. It was such a fantastic event and it was very heartwarming to get the support of such a thriving community."