Sunderland AFC players gave a boost to young patients when they dropped into the children's ward at South Tyneside District Hospital.

Roy O'Donovan and Northern Ireland internationals George McCartney and David Healy met staff, patients and their parents.

The footballers signed autographs and handed out gifts to the young fans.

McCartney said: "Visiting local hospitals is really important to the squad and we look forward to it each Christmas.

"As a team, we appreciate our position in the local community so it's a privilege for us to be able to visit children spending time here over the Christmas period and the staff who work so hard to treat them."

The Echo reported how Black Cats players put a smile on young patients' faces when they visited Sunderland Royal Hospital and the University Hospital of North Durham last week.

As well as the hospital visits, Sunderland AFC has held three signing sessions this month giving fans the chance to meet stars including Lorik Cana, Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones for photos and autographs.