Paediatrics took on a whole new meaning at the Royal Preston Hospital when the children’s ward was taken over by a group of under-fives.

The 12 youngsters from the hospital’s on-site Busy Bees nursery were invited onto the ward as part of a national Takeover Day aimed at introducing children to their parents’ working environment.

And as well as taking blood pressure and heart rates, they learned how to put on bandages and helped to give out medication and serve meals.

The children also visited the hospital’s education room to see young patients having lessons.