It's the most sought after toy of the season but for one kind-hearted Edinburgh girl, a gift is in the giving.

Five-year-old Elle Thomson was recently lucky enough to get her very own Hatchimal, the little furry robot which has topped children's wishlists this Christmas.

But when her dad, Stuart, finally managed to track one down after trips to around 15 toy shops, Elle surprised him with what she actually had in mind for the toy.

"She said wouldn't it be nice if she gave it to another little boy or girl who really wanted one," says Stuart.

"She loves giving things away to people and is always wrapping up presents. So we agreed to help her try to find someone to give her gift away too."

Hatchimals, little furry robot animals that hatch from eggs and then "learn" skills, are this season's hot toy.

A bit like the Tamagotchi toys of the 1990s, the hi-tech hatchlings have sold out just about everywhere except online resellers, where they are being sold for more than four times their original price of £59.99.

Made by Spin Master, a Canadian company that was more than a little surprised by how sought after the fluff balls became following their October launch, have found the toys remain in hot demand.

"It's an egg and it hatches by itself," says Elle. "It becomes a dragon or a penguin."

The Thomson family posted up a few messages in online local community groups to see if anyone knew of a child who really wanted one.

Then, a nurse from the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh got in touch to say she knew of a little girl who would love to receive Elle's generous gift.

"She said she knew a child who had just been diagnosed with a brain tumour," says Stuart.

"She said it was unlikely the little girl would be well enough to be home in time for Christmas."

Elle wrapped up her Hatchimal, got dressed in her favourite outfit with penguins on it, and went to the hospital herself to hand over her present.

"I gave it away to a nurse," says Elle. "She says she would give it to a little girl the same age as me with something sore in her head."

The little creature will now be a surprise gift to the little girl in the hospital on Christmas Day.

"I'm proud of Elle and glad too that this might help that little girl's parents," says Stuart.

"It sounds like a difficult time for them so maybe having this extra gift will help."