STAFF on a children's ward at Whiston Hospital are appealing for public support after being shortlisted for help from the Tesco Bags of Help scheme.

As the Star reported, funds received will be used to help purchase much needed play equipment for the children they care for.

The ward is in line to win one of three cash prize amounts, with the highest number of votes to receive up to £4,000, the second placed project up to £2,000 and the third placed project £1,000.

In a video asking shoppers at Tesco Extra on the St Helens Linkway and Tesco Express at Windle Island to get behind them, Caroline Wright, play specialist at Whiston Hospital, said: "We're all so excited because Action for Sick Children have teamed up with Tesco to raise some valuable funds for our children's wards."

"Every penny raised is going to go on valuable play equipment for children just like this. So, please, throughout August, vote for us."

Valerie Jackson, chief executive at Action for Sick Children, added: “It’s a lovely part of my role to be able to tell people we have money for them.

"The Magical Power of Play Appeal is a project we take great pride in as a charity and we are always thrilled to be able to help Play Specialists in their mission to bring play to children in hospital.”

Bags of Help is Tesco's grant programme and is designed to support local projects thanks to the sale of carrier bags. Customers will be given a token when they buy their shopping and will be able to vote for the project they prefer.

Watch the video here: