SENSORY lights and toys hope to give children at Furness General Hospital's emergency department a brighter future following a kind donation.

The children's treatment room at FGH has been given an illuminous transformation after MedEquip4Kids, a Manchester-based charity, fundraised, purchased and donated more than £3,500 worth of sensory equipment.

Among the donations are illuminating lights, colourful rings and glow in the dark sticks which are designed to create a calming atmosphere.

The additions will form a part of distraction therapy for children needing distressing treatment at the Barrow hospital.

Lyndsey Pratt, paediatric clinical leader at Furness General Hospital, said the new equipment was already a hit with the young patients and their families.

She said: "I wrote to MedEquip4Kids back in 2014 to see if they could help us modify and improve the facilities.

"They have helped more than I could have ever dreamed of. They have fundraised and purchased £3,589.83 worth of sensory equipment for us to install in the children's room.

"The sensory equipment helps create a child friendly calming environment which proves a huge distraction for children requiring painful procedures.

"The feedback from families who have attended ED for treatment has been very positive and encouraging.

"The children seem to love it all."

At the touch of a switch, the children's treatment room, known as the Rainbow Room, can now be transformed to resemble the night's sky.

The shine and sparkle of the sensory equipment diverts attention away from cuts, sores and broken bones, making the experience at A&E that bit less stressful for children.

The equipment in the room will benefit scores of patients. Last year, 6,372 children came through the emergency department - more than the previous 6,153 children seen in 2014.