Children in hospitals across the UK will get an early festive treat next week as a Bradford charity founder embarks on a 2,200-mile toy-drop tour.

Colin Nesbitt set up the Little Heroes charity after youngster Reece Randle, who he cares for, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukaemia shortly before his second birthday.

Reece is now six years old and doing well, said Mr Nesbitt, who hopes seeing the smile on the little boy’s face will give hope to families of children battling cancer.

The pair will set off on Saturday, December 3, visiting 18 hospitals as far away as Aberdeen, Bristol, Southampton and Cardiff, with young Reece, dressed as Santa, dishing out toys along the route.

It will be dubbed the Secret Santa Tour, as the appearance of Reece and Mr Nesbitt will be a surprise for the youngsters who get a festive visit. It’s not necessarily about the money and the toys,” said Mr Nesbitt.