REFEREES are not always a welcome sight, but they were when they arrived at Colchester General Hospital.

The group from the Colchester Referees’ Society made their annual visit to the children’s ward to deliver Christmas presents.

They spent about 30 minutes with the children, spreading Christmas cheer and no-one seemed to want to give them a red card.

Dave Duffett, of the society, said: “It’s never fun to be in hospital but it must be especially difficult for children at Christmas time, which is why we’re so keen to visit.

“This will be about the sixth consecutive time that we’ve visited the ward at this time of year, although our first visit there was at Easter to hand out chocolate eggs.

“We’ve got about 80 members and I ask them to buy an extra present for the children’s ward when they’re out doing their Christmas shopping.”

Lynda Pearce, matron for children’s services, said: “The Colchester Referees’ Society is in danger of giving refs a good name.

“They have given tremendous support to the children’s ward down the years and we – the children and staff – always look forward to their visit and having an opportunity to thank them.”