Christmas came early for young patients at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, when players from Mansfield Town FC paid them a special festive visit.

Stags’ first team squad, along with manager Nigel Clough and coach Andy Garner, lifted the spirits of poorly children and their families during the visit.

They chatted to patients, parents, and staff, posed for photos and handed out presents on the children’s ward.

Midfielder Ollie Clarke said: “Hopefully we’ve brought the children at King’s Mill some joy.

“It’s brilliant for the club to have a strong link with the local hospital and for us to be able to get out and see people who are less fortunate than ourselves or who are having a tough time, especially at this time of year.

“To meet the patients, give them a gift and see them smiling is a really good feeling.”

Nicola Armstrong, play leader at King’s Mill Hospital, added: “The squad at Mansfield Town have made a lot of children very happy.

“The staff were as excited as the patients! The support that Mansfield Town Football Club gives us is incredible. It brings so much cheer to the children and the staff think it’s wonderful.

“It makes everybody’s day so much happier.”

Stags manager Nigel Clough described the club’s annual Christmas visit to King’s Mill as one of the most enjoyable days of the year.

“It’s not just the patients, the children, [but] it’s the staff as well – to go and see them and in a very small way recognise the work they do throughout the year,” he said.

“I can’t think of anything much worse than spending Christmas in hospital if you’re a youngster.”