The Rocks were on hand to dish out festive gifts on the ward on Wednesday to the delight of young patients and hospital staff and even Nyewood Lane mascot Rocky Bear made a larger-than-life appearance.

It was the third year the Isthmian premier division outfit have visited the Chichester hospital and came about once again thanks to Rocks supporters club chairman Ian Guppy and John Price, a former player at the club, who represents Love Your Hospital, the dedicated charity for Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Ian said: “It was wonderful to be able to make the visit and we want to thank the players who gave up their time to make it all so special. It really was superb to see so many smiles on so many little faces.”