Gallery: Players and staff spread festive cheer in local hospitals

Sunderland AFC players and staff took time out to give children at three north east hospitals an extra special Christmas treat. 

First-team players were joined by members of the development squad and club ambassador Kevin Ball, as they visited three children’s wards at the Sunderland Royal Hospital, University of Durham Hospital and the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle respectively. 

The Wearsiders met children who face spending the festive period away from family and friends, bringing special gifts for the children and nursing staff, as well as signing autographs.