YOUNGSTERS in the children's wards at Burnley General Hospital were given a welcome pre-Christmas tonic when they received a visit from Burnley footballers.

The annual fixture again proved a winner with the kids on the Turner and Deerplay wards who gave an enthusiastic welcome to the visitors.

All the Clarets squad turned up and spent about an hour at the hospital meeting and talking to the children and signing autographs.

They also handed out selection boxes donated at the Asda store and talked to the children about why they were in hospital and what they hoped to get for Christmas.

The club's players make a number of visits to the children's wards each year and are always top of the league with the kids.

Michelle Hadley, a play leader on the wards, said: "All the children, and some of the mums and dads too, were excited about the visit and happy to meet the footballers.

"One little girl who had just been released from hospital insisted on hanging on so that she could meet them as well. It was a really happy occasion and a boost for the children."

There were other bonuses on the way for the wards. Local computer firm P3 donated a computer for use by the young patients and Pendelfin Studios Ltd of Cameron Street, Burnley, presented four televisions.

They also presented the hospital with some of their famous pottery rabbits and cups to be handed out on the wards as Christmas presents.