TODDLERS at a Newport nursery got their hands dirty to help raise funds for less fortunate youngsters.

Little Jaiden Lee Powell was born eight weeks early with a bleed on the brain on March 31, but after the help and care from staff at the Royal Gwent Hospital's specialist care baby unit he is now fighting fit.

Family friend, Lucy Perry, who is deputy manager at Norfolk Day Nursery, was so grateful for the care the unit staff gave Jaiden, she decided to organise a fundraiser.

Miss Perry, 22, said: "When Jaiden was born, he was eight weeks premature and had a bleed in the brain.

There was nothing I could do to help him, but I wanted to do something to help other children. It costs £1,800 to care for a premature baby in the unit, so I spoke to the girls at the nursery."

The nursery sent letters to parents beforehand asking if they would like to have their cars washed for £2 per car and the youngsters lent a hand to staff cleaning the cars.

The little ones got to join in the fun later in the day with a teddy bear's picnic, bouncy castle and face painting.

Jewellery made by the children was also sold in aid of unit and there were also games including guess the number of sweets in the jar.

Miss Perry said: "The staff at the unit work so hard and the money we raised will go towards helping them. We raised a total of £705 altogether."