DERBY rivals from Blackburn Rovers and Burnley teamed up to get the best result of the week -- bringing smiles to the faces of children in hospital.

Rovers' newest signing Alan Mahon made his "home debut" appearance by kicking off Christmas in Blackburn Infirmary and Queens Park Hospital.

And the Burnley first team were joined by mascot Bertie Bee to give their best wishes to children in wards at Burnley General Hospital.

Mahon and his Ewood team-mates swapped the real thing for a table football "pitch" at Blackburn Infirmary.

Mahon, who was signed on loan from Sporting Lisbon a week ago, said: "It's great to see the kids, it means a lot to them.

"We've only given up half an hour of our time but we wanted to do what we can to brighten it up for them."

Other squad members visited youngsters at Queen's Park Hospital.

The Burnley team visited youngsters on Deerplay and Turner Wards, part of the new Edith Watson Unit.

Ten-year-old Shoaib Mansoor, of Granville Road, Blackburn, was rushed into hospital 24 hours earlier after suffering severe stomach pains.

Doctors found the St Silas' Primary School pupil was suffering from appendicitis and he went into surgery the same day.

"One of the nurses told me they were coming in," said Shoaib. "I was excited about meeting them. "

Thomas Shipston, five, of Tosside, near Slaidburn, a pupil at Bolton-by-Bowland Primary School, had just had his tonsils and adenoids out and was still feeling a bit groggy.

Mum Janine said Thomas's seven-year-old brother Ashley, a big Rovers fan, would be jealous when he found out about the visit.

St Wilfred's High School, Blackburn, student Laura Howarth, 12, couldn't believe it when she was surrounded by players telling her "get well soon".

Laura, of Venice Close, Blackburn, admitted she didn't have a favourite player.

"I like all of them," she said.

Picture: ROVERS' new signing Alan Mahon made Shoaib Mansoor's day by signing his Rovers poster.