Oxford United footballers had a special fixture yesterday -- and everyone was a winner.

Striker Jefferson Louis, above, with Adam York, 10, left, and Sebastian Gates, eight.

The 26-strong squad visited young patients at Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital, in Headington.

It was the players' 12th annual Christmas trip to the JR, and they took soft toys and videos to cheer up the children, some of whom will be in hospital over the festive season. Peter Rhoades-Brown, United's football in the community officer, said: "Most of the players have their own children, so they appreciate what it must be like for families with children in hospital."

Nicky Cato, a staff nurse at the JR adolescent unit, said: "Some of the children were ready to be discharged in the morning, but they hung around because they wanted to meet the team!"