COLCHESTER United’s players brought some smiles to children's faces when they visited a hospital.

U’s players Frank Nouble, Tom Lapslie, Luke Prosser, Frankie Kent and Ollie Kensdale met youngsters on the children’s ward at Colchester General Hospital yesterday.

Colchester’s joint leading scorer Sammie Szmodics, who was born at the hospital, was also there to dish out presents.

“It’s so rewarding to be here,” said former Stanway School pupil Szmodics.

“We spoke to a girl that’s going to be in over Christmas - it’s good to brighten up their day, have a chat with them and give them a present.

“I’ve got younger brothers and younger cousins and seeing people we don’t actually know in here who are going to be here over Christmas is heart-breaking, so whatever we can do to give them a bit of joy and give them a present is worth doing.”

The U’s players, led round the ward by the hospital’s visiting co-ordinator Graham Appleton, handed out gifts and chatted to the children on the ward, spreading some festive cheer.

Colchester General Hospital play assistant Naomi Winand said: “It was amazing to see the smiles on the children’s faces when they saw the players.

“When they knew that they were coming in, they were so excited.

“It really lifts the spirits of the children and also the parents, too.

“It makes for a change of scenery and it was lovely to have them here.”