THE children's waiting room in the Minor Injury Unit at Chippenham hospital has been given a very special makeover, just in time for Christmas.

Instead of gazing upon the white walls of a clinical waiting room, sick children will now be able to join the Gruffalo in his natural habitat after local artist Julie Jones spent three days painting the much loved furry creature.

The room, which was opened by Mayor Councillor Mary Norton in front of hospital staff and guests on Monday (Dec 18), has been transformed into a colourful area with new toys, wall mounted games and colouring sheets provided by paediatric nurse Hannah Patient and members of the public.

Naomi Cooper, senior sister based at Chippenham MIU, said: “This makeover will have a huge impact on children and their parents while they are waiting to be seen. "Children can find hospitals scary, but their waiting room is now more welcoming, comfortable and full of fun things to keep them occupied.”

Seven-year-old Fernley Philpott from Melksham, who was invited to the opening after he drew a picture for the nurses a few weeks ago, said that the new waiting room was "amazing" and "much better."