Surplus food and drink from a theatre has not gone to waste after being donated to hard-working hospital staff.

Soft drinks, crisps and sweets were stocked by staff at Three Rivers District Council’s Watersmeet Theatre in readiness for its Christmas season.

But just a few days after opening their doors in December the venue was forced to close again due to government restrictions.

The theatre remains closed during the current lockdown, but rather than the stock being wasted, it was decided to donate it to West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust.

Josh Sills, manager at Watersmeet, said: “We all owe such a huge debt of gratitude to staff at our local hospitals who continue to do an amazing job in such challenging circumstances. It’s a small gesture, but we wanted to give them a well-deserved treat as a little thank you from us all.

“We hope to be able to welcome audiences back as soon as it is safe to do so and are busy working on a new programme of events.”

West Herts Hospital’s fundraising officer Freya Hollingsworth said: “These Pringles are just the right size for a quick snack, staff will be very pleased and there will be plenty to go around all three sites, Watford, Hemel Hempstead and St Albans.”

Cllr Sarah Nelmes, Leader of Three Rivers District Council, added: “We are all so grateful for the incredible work of our NHS heroes. They are doing an amazing job for local residents, so this was the least we could do to say thank you.”