Mansfield Town’s first-team players paid a festive visit to poorly children at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton.

The Stags’ squad took time away from their training schedule to deliver presents to the children’s ward.

Gifts were bought with funds from the players, while Booker Wholesale contributed selection boxes to hand out to the children.

Stags’ boss John Dempster said: “It’s very important [the hospital visit]. It’s something I did as a player over the years and it’s great to come and put a smile on the children’s faces.

“It’s great to come here and wish them well for Christmas. The players have been around the ward and chatted with parents and the kids. So it’s a really special day.

“The community feel is massive and the football club is very important to it. Coming today just emphasises that yet again.”

Goalkeeper Conrad Logan said: “It’s nice to come and see people out in the community and see some of the kids who may not be able to come out [of hospital] for Christmas.

“Everyone is very welcoming. I did this last year and met a little lad called Theo, and we’ve kept in touch. He’s been a mascot for a matchday and has come to the training ground.

“Those are the sort of things that can happen – it’s one big community. If we can come and brighten someone’s day, then it’s a small part for us to play.”

Midfielder Alex MacDonald said: “You come to places like this, and especially when you have a family and kids yourself, it’s tough.

“It’s quite tear-jerking walking around and seeing some of the poorly kids. But we’re going in to hopefully put a smile on their faces and give them a nice little present before Christmas.

“To see the kids, put a smile on their faces and give something back to the community, that plays a real part in being at the club and we’re hoping to give as much back as we can to the community.”