Swindon Town players and staff visited patients at the Great Western Hospital ahead of Christmas.

Ian Holloway, Marcus Bignot, Will Wright and Ollie Clarke spread festive cheer on Wednesday as they spent time with those in hospital and delivered gifts.

The club have made it a yearly tradition to visit the Children’s Ward in December in the recent years as they hope to lift positivity within the young patients who are in hospital at an unfortunate time.

Holloway said it was ‘inspirational’ to see the children with how brave they are.

The manager said: “The club have brought some presents for some poorly children who are sick and ill in the hospital at Christmas.

“It’s been very inspirational for us to see the children, that’s the thing I’m going to take away – how brave they are and how they’re handling everything and how wonderful it is to see them smile, even if they don’t feel very well.”

A Great Western Hospital staff member said: “It’s been lovely to see all Swindon Town players this afternoon.

She said: “They’ve come up at brought some lovely gifts for the children and it’s really put a smile on their faces.”

Captain Ollie Clarke said: “We've visited Children this afternoon, to see children who are struggling with illness and that are in hospital throughout Christmas and trying to raise their spirits.”

Vice-captain Will Wright added: “It's not ideal being in the Hospital, particularly during Christmas. But it's been heartwarming to come in and give them lots of presents and try and spread some festive joy, but just coming in and speaking to them and there have been loads of fans in here too, excited to meet us."