NURSES and other hospital staff have re-written a Christmas classic to spread a bit of cheer around their wards over the festive period.

The community stroke team at Worcestershire Health and Care Trust have been giving up their lunch hours to record their own version of festive favourite Jingle Bells.

They have even recorded their own music video to accompany the song and, while an appearance on Top of the Pops may not be on the cards any time soon, they hope their new take on the timeless tune will raise awareness of the valuable service they offer.

The team, who provide community-based support for people after a stroke, have even given the familiar lyrics a re-write to reflect the work they do.

Elizabeth Bond, of Worcestershire Health and Care Trust, said: “The original version is about dashing through the snow and sleighing down hills, however the community stroke team sing about visiting patients in their homes, helping them with physiotherapy and speech and language therapy and helping them to recover from the effects of a stroke. We think it works really well, even if we do sy so ourselves. Everyone who has heard it has been highly complimentary. It’s a beautiful timeless tune and the lyrics serve a real purpose.”

The trust is hailing its team’s efforts as “a stroke of musical genius”. Head over to worcesternews.co.uk to watch their video. To watch the video log on to worcesternews.co.uk.