Bolton Wanderers players and the cast of a pantomime brought Christmas magic to children at a hospice earlier this week.

On Tuesday, December 20, some Bolton Wanderers footballers and the cast of Blackburn Empire Theatre’s Cinderella and came to Derian House in Chorley, Lancashire.

The players took a tour of the hospice, took photos and handed out Christmas presents to the young people.

The Bolton News: Bolton Wanderers at Derian House in ChorleyBolton Wanderers at Derian House in Chorley (Image: Derian House)

Trotters stars James Trafford, Conor Bradley, and MJ Williams were even beaten at a game of Fifa on the Xbox by 22-year-old Leo Cliffe who visits the hospice.

Ricardo Santos, captain of Bolton Wanderers, said: “It was great to see the young people and be able to put a smile on their faces.

"We love show our local community that we care and they are all part of the football family.”

Katie McNally, wellbeing and play team leader at Derian House, said: “It was great to see the young people’s faces with not just one, but two special guest appearances at the hospice all in one day.

The Bolton News: Bolton Wanderers' MJ Williams with a child at Derian HouseBolton Wanderers' MJ Williams with a child at Derian House (Image: Derian House)

“We’re so grateful to the cast of Cinderella and of the Bolton Wanderers for thinking of Derian House this Christmas. From everyone here, we’d like to say a huge thank you.”

The Bolton News: Footballers James Trafford Conor Bradley, and MJ Williams were beaten at a game of Fifa by 22-year-old Leo Cliffe Footballers James Trafford Conor Bradley, and MJ Williams were beaten at a game of Fifa by 22-year-old Leo Cliffe (Image: Derian House)

The Cinderella cast, Prince Charming, Buttons, and Dandini also brought smiles and laughter to children and staff as they put on a magic show and got everyone up for a special dance performance.

“We have people from all over the country performing in the pantomime - they were so keen to come to Derian House to bring a bit of panto magic to the hospice before Christmas.”

The Bolton News: The cast of Blackburn Empire Theatre’s Cinderella at Derian House (Image: Derian House)The cast of Blackburn Empire Theatre’s Cinderella at Derian House (Image: Derian House) (Image: Derian House)

Ian Holmes, Marketing Manager at Blackburn Empire Theatre, said: “Derian House is a brilliant hospice and an important cause right in the heart of Lancashire.

Derian House Children’s Hospice cares for more than 450 children and young people with life-limiting conditions, as well as their families.

The charity needs £5.7 million to run every year and only receives a small percentage of this from funding, relying on the generous donations of Lancashire citizens and businesses to fund the rest of its crucial work.