Carol singers gave patients at North Walsham hospital a doorstep musical treat.

Broadland Youth Choir normally wanders the wards to bring festive cheer to people’s bedsides.

But this year, due to Covid restrictions, the youngsters serenaded patients from the patio outside the day room – letting their cheery harmonies filter inside via open windows and doors.

Choir musical director Zaira Palumbo said earlier in the day the 22-strong choir based at Salhouse sang outside Roy’s of Wroxham, and the hospital visit was their final performance of the year due to Covid cancellations of other planned events. 

The event was organised by the Friends of North Walsham War Memorial Hospital, who support the hospital by using donated money to buy extras that benefit patients, staff and visitors. Their final event will  be on Wednesday (December 22) when they drop off goody parcels for patients and food hampers for staff.  

Young carol singers brought a surprise package of Christmas cheer to patients at North Walsham hospital at the weekend.

Members of the Broadland Youth Choir toured the wards at the town’s War Memorial Hospital, singing festive songs to appreciative patients and their visiting families.

It is a treat provided by the hospital Friends group, which uses public donations to buy “extras” to improve the lives of patients, staff and visitors.

Friends chairman Keith Jarvis said: “We get really positive feedback about our annual carols visit. Patients really enjoy it, and are sometimes moved to tears, particularly because the carols are sung by children.”

Hannah Royal musical director of the 25-strong Salhouse-based choir said: “We are doing eight performances over Christmas ranging from a major church carol service to singing outside a supermarket – but the children say the hospital is their favourite because everyone smiles and we get lots of ‘thank you’ messages from families.”