A GROUP of footballers swapped balls for bouquets to help spread some Christmas cheers

Accrington Stanley players and management spent the afternoon at the Celebrate Gifts Christmas workshop, on Cannon Street, Accrington, creating chocolate bouquets to be handed out on children’s wards during the club’s annual visit to Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Lead by manager John Coleman and his assistant Jimmy Bell, the players became elves as they were tasked with creating new Accrington Stanley-branded Chocolate Bouquets.

The chocolate florists at the Accrington store were on hand to teach and give the Stanley players one-to-one training, to ensure they were completed to the highest standard.

Paul Bloor, Managing Director of Celebrate Gifts, said:"The day was fun for all involved. The players were really getting stuck in. Today also brought about some reflection and it's great to see how far the company has come over the last year.

"If you told us one year ago that we would have had Accrington Stanley players in our workshop today, I would never have believed you. We are thrilled to have had them in creating their bouquets, even more so knowing that they will be taken to children who are unfortunately spending the Christmas period in hospital."

John Coleman, Manager of Accrington Stanley, said: "Children who spend Christmas in hospital miss out on so much and it must be hard for all involved. They aren't able to enjoy it the same way as other kids, missing out on visits to Santa's Grotto and such.

"Accrington Stanley want to create magical memories for those who aren't at home this Christmas and this was a great opportunity to, not only do that, but get involved with the local community by teaming up with Celebrate Gifts."

"Community pride lies at the heart of Accrington Stanley Football Club," said Midfielder and Player of the Year, Sean McConville". People in Accrington really rally round and come together at times like this and the community spirit has helped us all get into the Christmas spirit.

"We look forward to delivering these brilliant bouquets to the children's wards and seeing a smile on their faces."