LOVELY PICTURES: Chesterfield FC players pay Christmas visit to the Royal

They spent the afternoon greeting children and handing out presents to youngsters who will spend Christmas in hospital.

Click PLAY for a slideshow of pictures and video from the visit.

A spokesman for the Royal said: “This visit is a real tonic for our young patients and gives them a genuine boost at a time of year when I’m sure they’d much rather be at home with families or enjoying their last few days at school with their friends.

“It’s great for their recovery and takes their minds off whatever it is that’s keeping them with us.

“We’d like to thank the club for their time in visiting the children and their generosity in the toys and gifts they’ve brought with them.

“It’s greatly appreciated.”

Chesterfield FC captain Ian Evatt said: “It’s always nice for the players to get out and have their eyes opened to how lives are different for people at this time of year.

“Most of us are very fortunate that we’re healthy and that we have healthy kids, but we all feel for the parents and all the hospital workers who do so much to improve the lives of the patients.

“It was a pleasure to be there and put smiles in the kids’ faces.

“It’s important for us to do that and it’s good for the community.”