PLAYERS from Ipswich Town dropped in to the Rainbow Ward at West Suffolk Hospital to give Christmas presents to young patients.

Lee Martin, Andy Drury, Luke Chambers and Aaron Cresswell hand-delivered the gifts, bought with money donated by the players, and chatted to children and their families.

Club captain Carlos Edwards said: “My team-mates and I always take great pride in visiting the local hospitals and hospices at Christmas time.

“It’s an Ipswich Town tradition which goes back many years, and one which we all enjoy.

“Being in a hospital or hospice is never easy, but it is especially difficult at this time of year, so the players and I hope to bring a little Christmas cheer to the patients, their families and the staff when we visit.”

Digi Cave, ward manager at the hospital in Bury St Edmunds, said the annual visit helps “build excitement in the run up to the big day itself.”

She added: “We really appreciate the fact that the players take time out of their busy training schedule to come along and pay our patients a visit, and would like to thank both them, and the club, for their continued support.”

The East of England Co-operative society has donated 200 chocolate selection boxes for young patients.