A FIRM based in Warrington has spread Easter joy by donating more than 130 Easter eggs to Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

Metal recycling firm EMR has donated 135 chocolate eggs to the children at Alder Hey.

EMR say that they wanted to spread some much-needed 'chocolate cheer' to those who are to be in the hospital over the Easter period.

EMR asked customers across the country to get involved in the egg drive by challenging them to quote the phrase ‘Easter egg’  at any of their 60+ sites throughout the UK.

Every time it was quoted, a chocolate egg was donated to the hospital which cares for more than 330,000 children, young people and their families every year.

The firm's headquarters are in Warrington, and it operates nine sites across the north west, making the Alder Hey community an important part of EMR's regional activities.

Ian Sheppard, EMR’s managing director said: “The people at EMR really care about their local communities and wanted to do something for the children who are in hospital at this time.

"All children should feel that Easter is a special time of the year.

“Alder Hey is an amazing hospital and we're delighted to be able to support them through our egg donation initiative."

Ian added: "Parents with kids in hospital have enough to think and worry about, so a surprise egg for their child is an unexpected treat at a difficult time - a huge thank you to our customers and staff for making this happen!”

EMR is based at Sirius House, in Westbrook, and is a global leader in sustainable materials with physical operations in the UK, USA, Germany, and the Netherlands - the company is responsible for recycling more than 15 million tonnes of metal every year.