Christmas came early for young patients in the Nightingale Ward of the Chesterfield and North Derbyshire Royal Hospital when players from Chesterfield Football Club made their annual Christmas visit.

Ian Breckin, the Chesterfield captain, said: "The players look forward to bringing the youngsters a bit of Christmas cheer because none of us would want to be in hospital at Christmas time."

The players had a laugh and a joke with the young patients, had photographs taken, signed autographs and distributed gifts. 

 There was also an incentive for the youngsters to get well as everyone receives a special voucher for a free match ticket to a future game at Saltergate.