FOOTBALL stars sprinkled some Christmas magic during a trip to a hospital.

Ipswich Town players Freddie Sears, Jordan Spence and Trevoh Chalobah chatted to youngsters on the children’s ward at Colchester Hospital yesterday afternoon.

The trio spread some festive cheer by handing out presents bought by the players themselves.

“It was so lovely to see them,” said play assistant Jessica Ellis.

“It’s not nice for the children being in hospital in the build-up to Christmas.

“Some of them have been a bit down but you could see the footballers really cheered them up. The fact they took time out of their busy schedule to come and see us meant a lot.

“It brightened up the children’s day and really made a difference.”

Former Colchester United striker Sears proved a hit with Max-Clayton Law, from Highwoods.

The nine-year-old was rushed to hospital with suspended appendicitis on Monday.

Sears spent some time playing computer games with him.