The community have come together to replace a portable DVD player stolen from the children's ward of a hospital.

Darent Valley Hospital, in Dartford, has received an incredible 18 devices after launching an appeal on Facebook earlier this week.

Within days, locals have come together to replace the essential pieces of kit.

DVD players will now be branded with the hospital's details.

Staff hope this will deter thieves, by making it obvious if they are stolen.

Devices are used to entertain children, alongside distracting them during uncomfortable or invasive procedures.

Whilst it is hard to regulate a toy used by children in their beds, DVD players will now be subject to strict signing in and out procedures.

They will also be stored in a secure area when not in use.

The stolen device was brand-new when it was taken on the very first day it became available to patients.

It was donated by the parents of Grayson Burdett, who was cared for by the hospital as a baby after being born with a congenital heart defect.

Sarah and Emma Burdett were determined to do something to support Darent Valley, and brighten up Willow Ward for young patients.

Sarah said: "We were gutted to hear that the DVD player went missing.

"It's a shame, but we have managed to secure them another one.

"It's second hand, but it will do the same job."

They raised over £1,000 to provide children with furniture, alongside a newly-completed contemporary mural.

The theft is not the first that the ward has encountered, after a television was stolen on Christmas Eve in 2017.

Fortunately, the generosity of local residents will mean that children do not have to go without.

Dartford Borough Council leader, Jeremy Kite, has also been in touch with the hospital to offer his support.

The councillor, who represents Longfield, New Barn and Southfleet, intends to use part of his allowance to fund extra DVD players for children.

For further information on how to support the Lollipop fund, which raises money for the children's ward, contact 01322 428256 or email dgn-tr.fundraising@nhs.net.