BOLTON Wanderers’ first team squad made special visits to see children around town yesterday.

Players went to both the Royal Bolton Hospital’s Children’s Ward and Derian House Children’s Hospice during the afternoon to deliver gifts and festive cheer to the youngsters.

The squad - whose personal monetary donations funded the presents which were handed out to those in the care of Bolton Hospital and Derian House – made the short journeys to each venue after completing training during the day.

Upon their arrival, they met with children who will be spending the festive period in the care of each organisation and put smiles on their faces with toys, games and gift sets alongside Bolton Wanderers calendars, merchandise and selection boxes.

Those in attendance at Royal Bolton Hospital also visited the Children’s Accident and Emergency Ward where they were able to pick up the spirits of kids receiving treatment with selection boxes and calendars.

Speaking following his visit to Royal Bolton Hospital, captain David Wheater said the whole squad had looked forward to the day.

He added: “This is my eighth Christmas at Bolton Wanderers now and as a squad, we always really look forward to these visits as it’s a brilliant afternoon to be a part of.

“We know how important the football club is to the local community of Bolton and especially at a time like this, we want to play our part in making sure that people are as happy as possible at a special time of year.

“The smiles on the kids’ faces is all you want to see and there were plenty of them today.”

Jason Lowe – who was in attendance at Derian House – echoed his teammate’s sentiments and thanked staff at the hospice for all the work that they do.

He said: “It was an absolute privilege to visit Derian House this afternoon – it is a truly incredible place and to be able to play a small part in their day was an hour.

“The staff are an absolute credit to the charity and for us to be able to come down and share some Christmas cheer, hand out some gifts and really learn about the place was very humbling.

“It’s an afternoon that none of us will ever forget.”

The Royal Bolton Children’s Ward cares for youngsters between the age of 0-16, providing modern wards, play areas and a number of individual rooms with en-suite shower rooms.

Derian House helps more than 300 children who are suffering from terminal conditions. It is a charitable organisation funded partially by donations.