Community-spirited staff from Stagecoach West have helped make life a little easier for deserving youngsters at a children's charity.

The Stagecoach West team raised funds by singing carols when they toured the region on a specially decorated bus just before Christmas and bus drivers dressed up as Santa during their shifts to receive donations from customers.

And this week Stagecoach West staff were delighted to present the £3,298 they collected from generous members of the public to the James Hopkins Trust at its centre in North Upton Lane, Gloucester.

The James Hopkins Trust is a local charity providing respite care for babies and children with life limiting or life threatening conditions. Since the charity was founded they've provided free support to over 500 children and families.

The Stagecoach West staff were given a tour of the fantastic facilities at the charity and were privileged to meet staff and some of the children whose young lives they support.

Sarah James, Head of Fundraising at James Hopkins Trust, said: "We are overwhelmed that the thoughtful, committed team from Stagecoach West has changed our world this year.

"Their energy, compassion and generosity has filled our hearts and helped us to fulfil our aim to provide nursing respite and support to families in Gloucestershire with a young child who is life limited or life threatened. They truly have made a difference to our cause and we are delighted that our friendship will continue this year."

Stagecoach West's managing director Rupert Cox said: "When we heard about the wonderful work carried out at James Hopkins Trust we were keen to support them and the brave children who attend the centre.

"Stagecoach West is very much part of the community and our staff were very happy to raise money for such a worthwhile local charity.

"I know the staff members who visited James Hopkins Trust were greatly impressed by the important work they do and it was a moving experience to meet the young children who are helped so much by the charity."

Pictured (top): Stagecoach West driver Chris Johns meets Taya-Lee at James Hopkins Trust.

Lower picture: Left to right, back, Stagecoach West staff, Simon Crumpler, Chris Johns, Nick Edwards and James Heaney; front, James Hopkins representatives, Children Nurse Emma Siney with Rowan, Children Nurse Sarah Hammond with Taya-Lee and Play Leader Fiona Maseyk with Charlie.