IT WAS smiles all round as players from Colchester United took over from Santa for an afternoon.

They visited Colchester General Hospital’s children’s ward to hand out presents and sign autographs for the youngsters.

Quaid Combstock, 12, from Colchester, was visiting the hospital with his brother Blake, 10, who is a “regular” at the ward.

He said: “It was really nice to get a visit from the players because my brother isn’t well.

“We’ve both got teddy bears and some chocolate as well.”

Five-year-old Maia Burton received two presents from Colchester United and one supplied by Colchester Zoo.

Mum Tracey said: “We’re hoping she’ll be able to go home tomorrow because it’s not nice being in hospital at Christmas.

“It’s really nice of the players to come in and to bring presents for the children to cheer them up.”

Noelani Upton, five, was clutching a Colchester United teddy bear given to her by the team.

Her dad Steve, from Sudbury, said: “It’s great that the players have made such an effort to come and visit the children, rather than just playing football.

“Maia was in here to have her tonsils out last week and we’ve had to come back in, but hopefully she’ll be home for Christmas.”

Colchester United manager Paul Lambert, a dad of four, said: “It’s a horrific time for children to have to be in hospital, so it’s great that we can do something to cheer them up.”

The club’s youth team have also done their bit this year, buying an X-Box 360 for them to use all year round.

Head of youth Steve Downey said: “The youth team players were keen to get together and give something to the children’s ward, knowing that not everyone is as fortunate as they are.”

Graham Appleton, a volunteer children’s services fundraiser, said: “It’s a fantastic gesture by the players to take time out to come and see the children and their families.”

The visit comes after Ipswich Town players and local referees spread some festive cheer there earlier in the week.