CHILDREN at a Dorset hospice were treated to a visit from their heroes who came armed with presents in the run up to Christmas.

Members of the AFC Bournemouth first team squad, along with manager Eddie Howe, assistant Jason Tindall, club legend Steve Fletcher and other backroom staff came long to provide some festive cheer to children and families when at the Julia’s House Dorset hospice in Corfe Mullen on Monday.

Julia’s House provide practical and emotional support for families caring for a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition.

Eddie, who is a Patron of the children’s hospice charity, was joined by a number of his Premier League stars, including Harry Arter, Ryan Fraser, Nathan Ake and Dan Gosling.

They arrived with a selection of gifts for the children and spent more than an hour mingling with families, posing for photos, signing autographs and playing with the children.

Julia's House's lead nurse, Lynda Jones, who was hosting the hospice session, said: “We were absolutely thrilled by the visit. It means so much to Julia’s House to have the support of AFC Bournemouth.

"We feel privileged to have Eddie as a Patron. The players’ visit - and with such thoughtful gifts too - was just the icing on the cake.

"They were all really lovely, chatting with the families and children, nothing was too much trouble. A very special afternoon indeed.”

Footie-mad youngsters even challenged their Cherries heroes to pitch battles playing FIFA on PlayStation and an impromptu kick-around on the hospice lawn.

The visit was the first of two trips organised by the club this week.

On Tuesday players and staff visited wards at Poole Hospital to provide a festive boost to children who look set to spend Christmas in hospital.

The commitment to the community highlights the nature of the club in the middle of a busy week for the team.

On Sunday they hosted Liverpool at Vitality Stadium and last night they made the trip to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.

Cherries third game in seven days is at runaway Premier League leaders Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.