A BATCH of presents have been delivered by Bolton Wanderers players to youngsters spending Christmas in hospital.

Whites stars spread some festive cheer with their annual gift donation to the children’s ward at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Club bosses and the Bolton Wanderers in the Community (BWC) organisation were behind the generous amount of gifts to the Bolton NHS Foundation Trust.

Each year the club donates toys and exciting treats to the children who have to be in hospital over the Christmas holidays.

Unfortunately due to Covid-19, the players were unable to make their usual visits on the wards with the presents.

Phil Mason, chief executive of BWC, said: “Sadly, due to current circumstances the players were unable to make their usual visits with the presents,

"But as a club we felt it was important to get the presents out to those we are thinking of at this time in the hospital, Bolton Hospice and Derian House.

“We hope that these gifts bring some Christmas cheer to families in troubled times in their lives.

“We wish them every blessing and want them to know they are in our thoughts.

“We are one club, one community and one town.”

Although the children didn’t see the players this year, the idea of presents from their favourite football club is just as exciting, say officials from the NHS trust.

Not only will the children have some beautifully gifted presents, they will be able to watch a personal video message from team manager Ian Evatt, wishing them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

“We are blown away by the generosity that Bolton Wanderers and Bolton Wanderers in the Community show us each and every year,’ said Laura Gasson, a hospital play specialist at the trust.

“It’s not easy for the children who have to be on the ward over the Christmas holidays.

"But they love knowing that their football heroes were involved in getting them gifts and the families and staff love to see the excitement on their faces.”