AFC Bournemouth players spread Christmas cheer to youngsters spending the festive season in hospital.

The Cherries took time out of their busy training schedule to pay a visit to the children’s unit at Poole Hospital.

The team first gathered in the play room to chat to several young fans and their families, as well as sign autographs and pose for photographs.

They then went round the ward to deliver presents to children who were unable to leave their hospital beds.

The visit to Poole Hospital has been a regular event on the Cherries’ calendar for many years, with around half the squad visiting the children’s ward and the other half visiting children’s hospice Julia’s House, for which manager Eddie Howe is an ambassador.

Speaking to the Daily Echo at the hospital, club captain Simon Francis said he had visited the ward at Christmas time since joining the Bournemouth team permanently in 2012.

“It’s an important time of the year for everybody with families and all the children, so it’s important for us to give something back – even if it’s just a little bit of happiness to bring to the kids,” he said.

“It’s obviously a very busy time of the year football-wise as well – we’ve got a lot of games, a lot of training but it’s an hour out of our day to visit some kids and hopefully put a smile on their faces.”

Striker Callum Wilson added the team tried to bring the children “even better presents each year”.

Abbie Benson, whose five-year-old daughter, Isabella, is facing a stay in hospital on Christmas Day, said the visit from the Cherries had brightened her day.

“She’s only been diagnosed with severe epilepsy in March, so we’re in hospital most of the time.

“She’s been so excited about the visit from the team all day.”

And eight-year-old Brandon Wellman and his mum, Hanna, were dressed in Cherries shirts to meet the players.

Brandon was excited to meet one of his favourite players, Ryan Fraser, who was among the team members to visit the ward.

Defender Charlie Daniels said it was his seventh year visiting the children in hospital.

“We do pride ourselves on being a community club, and this is just one of the things that we do to try and help the community. We love coming here as it gives us something back as well.

“The rapport we have with the kids is special.”

He added: “For the kids that are here, it’s really pleasing for us that we can come in and take an hour out of our day to hopefully put a smile on their face and give them some presents.”