A GROUP of Muslims visited hospital yesterday to spread a little new year cheer.

Members of Huddersfield North Amadiyya Muslim Youth Association brought gifts and chocolates to brighten up the day for youngsters in the Bramble Children’s Ward at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary.

Youth leader Asrar Uddin said: “We are trying to raise the children’s spirits and put a smile on their faces.

“This is the most effective way of not only helping children who are ill in hospital, but also to bring hope, joy and happiness during the start of the new year.

“We hope our small contribution can help boost the confidence and self esteem of these young children in coping with their illnesses and the challenges facing them.”

This is the third year that the association, based in Fitzwilliam Street, has visited the children’s ward at the hospital.

The visit is part of their week of serving humanity. Between Christmas and the new year, members have been visiting the sick and elderly, cleaning graveyards and volunteering to sweep streets in the town centre.

The Ahmadiyya Muslim Association’s aims is to revive what members see as the true, peaceful message of Islam as taught by the prophet Mohammed.

Their motto is “Love for all, hatred for none.”