WATCH: Baggies stars bring joy for young patients at Birmingham Children's Hospital

West Bromwich Albion players Joleon Lescott, Chris Brunt, Ben Foster, Craig Gardiner and Gareth McAuley all took time off to spend the afternoon at Birmingham Children's Hospital yesterday.

They brought with them Christmas gifts, which they handed over to the children while also talking to them and their families.

Among those to meet the stars was Phoebe Wherton, aged 14, who had surgery delayed so she could see her heroes.

The West Brom fan, who has cerebral palsy, was with her mother Claire. The family live in Stone Cross in West Bromwich.

Mrs Wherton said: "Phoebe came in for treatment, but on hearing the players were here, she asked to see them.

"We had Joleon Lescott and Ben Foster come over, they asked how she was and about her Christmas.

"She would love to see them more often, but she can't get to the games, so listens on the radio instead."

Lily Ann Tansell-Price is in hospital after suffering 12 per cent burns when her clothes were set alight as she leant over her television.

The six-year-old who lives with her father Barry Price, 47, at The Archers pub in Walsall.

The Yew Tree Primary School child had a shirt signed by the players and was given a teddy bear.

Mr Price said: "You have to give it to players, coming in on their own time is great, it brings happiness to the kids, you can see it all around."

Reo Massey-Marks, 8, is in hospital for heart surgery. His parents Dawn and Dean hope he will be out today.

Joleon Lescott, Ben Foster and Gareth McAuley spoke to Reo, who had to give up football due to his heart condition.

The family lives in Willenhall.

Miss Massey, 34, said: "For children spending along time in hospital, this gives them something to look forward to, then gives them a good memory to look back on when they are out, aside from all the unhappiness."

Aston Villa fan Moin Younis, aged 15, is in and out of hospital due to a skin condition.

Despite his club allegiance, Moin, from Handsworth, was delighted to see the players, but predicted Villa will beat West Brom on Saturday.

His father Mohammed, 46, said: "As soon as he heard the players were coming in he told me to come down and see him talk to them.

"It's made him so happy. He is so cheeky with the players."

Hospital youth worker Kim Caves said: "You can be a professional footballer, but doing things like this shows the human being behind them.

"The children love having them here."

Club captain Chris Brunt said: "It's a regular occurrence, we do it every year.

"It's never a nice place to be at any stage of the year but especially for the kids around Christmas time as well.

"It's not nice, we met a boy that has been here a year since the last time we came - it must be horrible for him and his family.

"So if we can give them something different on a day-to-day basis then great.

"Everyone has been in hospital at some stage and it's a pretty boring place to be.

"I've spent a few days in hospital with my own kids, thankfully nothing serious long term and it's a difficult place to keep kids entertained and amused.

"If we can come around and break a routine up and put a smile on peoples faces it's a good thing to do.

"And with kids of your own you appreciate it a little bit more."