Poorly children at Medway Maritime Hospital were in for an early Christmas gift, as Gillingham FC players paid them a surprise visit.

The squad of more than 20 took goody bags, posed for photographs and signed autographs for patients around the dolphin and penguin wards.

Among the players were last season's League One player of the year Bradley Dack, goalkeeper Stuart Nelson and midfielder Josh Wright.

VIDEO: The squad spread some festive cheer.

Bradley said: "When you're a footballer you're obviously a role model and to some of the kids, they look up to you.

"It's humbling to come in and see the kids and to see them smile when you come through the door to get their presents - it's really nice."

The team were even made to keep up their tradition of singing We Wish You A Merry Christmas before they left.

Goalie Stuart Nelson says he appreciates how hard this time can be for families with children in hospital, having had a son of his own in the last 16 months.

He said: "It's changed my perspective about things, it hits home with how lucky I am that i'm not in hospital with my little boy.

"This time of year is a time for family and giving and obviously we're trying to give back. You don't really want to be in here with poorly children.

"If we can put a smile on the children's faces then that's the main aim really."

Josh Wright, said: "It's never to be in hospital at any time of year especially at Christmas and being young children.

"We're just here to try and lift their spirits and try and put a smile on their faces and all be it some are very young but it's still nice to receive some gifts we've come here to give out and just to try and make them that bit happier."