A charity fishing match has helped pay for much-needed play equipment for Leicester Royal Infirmary's children's ward.

The event, organised by Peter Hill and his wife, Samantha, of Braunstone, whose son Alfie was treated for viral meningitis when he was eight weeks old in Ward 14, was held at Celtic Lakes, Frisby.

The "predator fishing" match for pike and zander, on Saturday, January 28, attracted more than 20 anglers from places as far away as Manchester, the East Coast and Evesham and raised £731.

Peter, 32, a university porter, said most of the money had already been spent on a 26-inch flat-screen TV and toys and games for the ward but an official presentation of the gifts was yet to be organised.

"We were staggered to find we had raised such a large amount in just one day.

"It was a way of saying thank-you to the nurses who did a fantastic job of keeping our spirits up during Alfie's very stressful stay in hospital.

"He is now almost five months and fully recovered."

As well as the TV, toys and play equipment designed to appeal to children of all abilities were chosen for the ward.

He said: "The actual fishing wasn't great with only two small pike caught all day, but still everyone had a great time."