Children on a hospital ward received an early Christmas present when Ipswich Town footballers and staff dropped by bearing gifts.

Blues boss Mick McCarthy was joined by players Aaron Cresswell, Ryan Tunnicliffe and Paul Taylor in spreading festive cheer at the Bergholt children’s ward at Ipswich Hospital yesterday.

Presents were handed over to the youngsters and their families in a two-hour stopover at the Heath Road site after Town players donated cash for this year’s Christmas visit. The East of England Co-op helped source the gifts.

Speaking on behalf of the players, Blues captain Carlos Edwards said: “Speaking personally, I know how difficult it is to see your children in hospital at any time, let alone at Christmas.

“The visits we make to hospitals and hospices give us a chance to show our appreciation for the fantastic work the staff do. Hopefully we can bring a smile to the children’s faces with a few presents.”

Jade Cole, a public relations manager at Ipswich Town, said: “The players generously donate money to buy gifts for the patients, wards and hospices at the six venues we visit at this time of year.”