POLICE took some time out from chasing criminals to make a special delivery to Basildon Hospital children’s ward.

PC Dawn Jones, of Pitsea police, has raised cash to buy the ward a treat.

The officer held raffles and collected cash at district police stations to give poorly youngsters at the hospital a fish tank.

PC Jones raised more than £200 for the tank to brighten up the ward and, thanks to the Pets at Home in Pitsea, tropical fish will soon be swimming in it.

PC Jones and her colleagues delivered the tank to Puffin ward on Christmas Eve.

She said: “The children loved it and we managed to put a big, lovely, red bow on it for them.

“It was nice to give the children something special for Christmas.”

Mel Chambers, Puffin ward manager, said: “We were thrilled when the police said they wanted to fundraise for the ward.

“I suggested a new fishtank, as the old tank needed replacing and the kids love it.

“We are over the moon with the new tank and we can’t wait for the fish to arrive.”