Wanderers players took time out to spread Christmas cheer on the children's wards at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

And they scored an instant hit with the patients and staff. Nurses and doctors crammed into B1, B2 and G5 wards to catch a glimpse of the stars.

The Super Whites made a surprise visit to the hospital and gave out boxes of chocolates to the children. Players who went along included Jermaine Johnson, Henrik Pedersen, Per Frandsen, Kevin Nolan, Gudni Bergsson, Jeff Smith and Simon Charlton.

Wanderers fan Stewart Errington could not believe his luck when his heroes asked him the way to the children's wards -- and they ended up cradling his baby daughter, Megan, aged three months. Stewart, of Farnworth said: "It really made our day. Megan has cystic fibrosis and is very tiny for her age. The players were great."

Little Ellie Powers, aged three, stole Gudni Bergsson's heart and he gave her a special present. Ellie was recovering after a virus and was hoping to return home soon.

Kevin Nolan made Daniel Tatterton's day when he challenged him to a game of football -- tabletop style! The pair jousted on the soccer table and Danny, aged seven, scored the winning goal.

Liz Thornley, children's community team manager at the hospital said: "Many of these children support Bolton Wanderers. They now get a memory of hospital which isn't just about needles and medicine. It's also a boost for the staff."