YOUNGSTERS at the Royal Blackburn Hospital children’s ward were greeted with Christmas cheer by footballing stars.

Accrington Stanley’s squad paid a visit to the children on the ward and gave them signed footballs, a cuddly toy, football training shirts and a reading book.

The players chatted with parents and helped children unwrap their toys.

They were given a tour of the ward by staff and visited several different families.

Yasmeen Qadri, whose daughter Inaya, seven, was staying in hospital, said she was really happy the players came in.

She said: “Inaya and my son Ahmed were really happy to see the footballers.

“They’re going to fight over the toys now they’ve got them, but they’re really happy.”

Midfielder Sam Finley said it was important to the players to visit the children on the ward.

He said: “It’s unfortunate for the children to be in the ward during Christmas.

“But it's great to see a big smile on their faces.

“Even getting one child to smile is worthwhile.”

Natasha Spencer, mum of three-year-old AJ Love, who was on the children’s ward, said: “AJ loves football so he was really excited to see the players.

“He enjoyed spending a bit of time with them and rolling a ball about.”

Offrande Zanzala, a forward at the club, said: “You come here knowing their situation and you know some of them won’t be able to spend Christmas with their families all together at home.

“It’s always nice to take our time and come here to give them presents and put a smile on their face.

“We just want to make their day as much as possible.”

Jimmy Bell, the club’s assistant manager, said: “It’s not nice coming here as an adult, let alone as a child at Christmas time.

“We hope we can come here and brighten things up for the children.”

Accrington Stanley are currently 11th in League One with 28 points.

Chris Pearson, director of nursing for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust said: "We would like to say a big thank you to the players and staff at Accrington Stanley for taking the time to visit our Children’s Unit.

"It has been lovely for the patients and their relatives to have such a special visit, it really put a big smile on their faces.

"All of the staff appreciate what they do each year to lighten what can often be a difficult time for families and help make the children’s time in hospital that little bit better."