West Brom players visit youngsters in hospital

It was all smiles for youngsters at a Black Country hospital as West Brom players arrived with Santa to deliver Christmas presents.

The footballers made their annual visit to Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital yesterday to chat to the young patients and their delighted families.

Click on the image on the right to see more pictures from the visit.

Members of the first-team squad joined forces with the club to buy an array of presents for the young patients – including electronic games, cuddly toys, board games and Baggies merchandise.

Senior players attended with club mascots Baggie Bird and Albi to present the children's ward with a flat screen TV and DVD player.

Three-year-old Meah Tinson, of Halesowen, gave Ben Foster a hug as he gave her a cuddly penguin during the visit.

Full-back and former Ireland international Stephen Reid said: "It isn't nice to think of these children having to spend this time in hospital but if by coming along we can put a smile on their faces and take their mind off things then that's good. I've been doing visits like this for 15 years and it is a nice part of the job."

Hospital trust chief executive Paula Clark said: "Christmas can be a difficult time for children to be in hospital and the visit will be sure to raise their spirits."

For the fifth year running, Albion are extending their annual hospital visit to two sites. Next Monday, members of the first-team squad will also visit Sandwell General Hospital in West Bromwich.

Winger Jerome Thomas said: "I had a little girl, Sienna, last Monday and there was a baby I saw who was only a day or two older than my little girl. But thankfully it wasn't anything serious and they said they should be leaving soon, which is good to hear.

"It's nice to see them, to hand out presents and to wish them a happy Christmas."