BURNLEY FC players provided a welcome tonic for youngsters in Burnley General Hospital with a Christmas visit to the children's wards.

The annual fixture again proved a winner with the kids, who gave an enthusiastic welcome to the visitors.

The Clarets, including Andy Payton, Andy Cooke, Lenny Johnrose, Chris Brass, Glen Little, Paul Weller, Dean West, Graham Branch and Paul Crichton, spoke with the children, signed autographs and handed out selection boxes donated by Woolworth's store in Burnley.

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.

"The children are always delighted to see them and look forward to each visit," said a Burnley Health Trust spokesman.

Hospital play specialist Bev Wood, said it was the Clarets' first tour of the new children's unit at the hospital - part of the multi-million pounds newly-refurbished Edith Watson department, which will be officially opened in the spring.

The call by the local soccer stars isn't all the youngsters have to look forward to, says Bev. "They should all be home for Christmas."

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