Leeds United’s first-team squad delivered some festive cheer to Leeds Children’s Hospital on Thursday afternoon when the players made their annual Christmas visit.

The players, which included Mateusz Klich, Gjanni Alioski, Eddie Nketiah, Illan Meslier and Jack Clarke, headed straight to the local hospital following training on Thursday to visit youngsters and their families currently receiving care on a number of the busy wards.

They spent time handing out some special Leeds United goody bags, which included calendars, teddy bears and sweets as well as chatting to the young patients and their loved ones, helping to lift the spirits of those who have spent much of the festive period in hospital and may have to continue doing so for Christmas Day itself.

Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich spoke to LUTV about the annual festive visit, and said: “This is always a special visit for us to be a part of, the chance to meet and hopefully put smiles on the faces of some kids and their families who have been going through difficult times, especially at this time of year, I think is really important.

"Credit has to go to the amazing staff for the work they do here and how great they are with all of the children. It really puts things into perspective when you realise that some people won’t be able to spend Christmas at home, whether it’s the patients or the staff, so hopefully our visit today has let them know that we are thinking about them.”

The club has a long standing relationship with Leeds Children’s which is one of the country's leading teaching hospitals and has an international reputation for its expertise in a range of specialist services for which the hospital is a regional centre.

Leeds United have been working closely with Children’s Heart Surgery Fund over the last year to help purchase life-saving equipment for the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit at the hospital. If you are able to donate and help support the campaign please visit the JustGiving page, here.