COLCHESTER United players took time out of preparing for Saturday’s match to visit poorly children in hospital.

Skipper Luke Prosser, along with Tom Lapslie, Frank Nouble, Ryan Jackson, Harry Pell and Dean Gerken headed to Colchester Hospital.

During their annual Christmas visit to the children’s ward, the players handed out gifts to youngsters.

Presents were also left for other children who are admitted over the Christmas period, as well as gifts which can be used on the ward all year round.

All the presents were paid for by the players themselves but Luke admitted they did not actually do the Chistmas shopping.

On the visit the U’s captain added: “It’s always a pleasure to go to the children’s ward and say hello to the kids in there.

“It amazes me how brave they all are, having to be in hospital at such a young age and it really does make me realise how lucky we are to be able to run around and play football.

“Another big thank you to all the staff at the hospital for their hospitality and for all the hard work they all do throughout the year, not just at Christmas time.”