A GROUP of Somerset cricketers delivered some Christmas cheer to patients in the children’s wards at Taunton’s Musgrove Park Hospital.

James Hildreth, Max Waller, Lewis Gregory, Adam Dibble, Jack Leach and Chris Jones, along with club mascot Stumpy, handed out presents and gift bags on Oak and Acorn wards.

Ward manager Caroline Jackson said: “We’ve got a wide range of patients at the moment, including many with special needs and it’s really nice for them to meet different people.

“It was really thoughtful of the players to come and bring gifts for everybody and it’s been a really good experience.”

Spencer Bishop, from Somerset’s commercial department, said: “The looks on the faces of some of the children was priceless and I think the players will have taken a lot from this visit too.”

Chief executive Guy Lavender said: “It is vital that we continue to contribute and help out where we can within the local area. Visits like this are part and parcel of what we believe in as a club."