SANTA Cruz not Santa Claus turned up as Blackburn Rovers stars spread Christmas cheer to a children's ward.

Star striker Roque Santa Cruz and teammates including captain Ryan Nelsen, Morten Gamst Pedersen and Matt Derbyshire, visited the Royal Blackburn Hospital to deliver Christmas presents to the children yesterday.

The players signed autographs and chatted to the youngsters.

Ward manager Sarah Caton said: "We appreciate all the effort that Blackburn Rovers have gone to and it really brightened up the day for the children."