WANDERERS stars brought some Easter joy to young patients in the children’s ward at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Players handed out Easter eggs and chatted with youngsters.

Other members of the squad visited Derian House Children’s Hospice in Chorley and Bolton Hospice.

Wanderers captain Kevin Davies said: “I have been doing these visits for about 10 years and we were due to come here at Christmas but had to cancel when the hospital clamped down on visits to prevent the spread of noravirus.

“As a dad myself, I know young people don’t want to be stuck in hospital so we decided to come here and cheer them up. To see the delighted looks on the kids’ faces is very important for all the players.

“All these places offer a fantastic service to Bolton and we’re delighted to help them.”

Whites’ midfielder Chris Eagles added: “It’s nice to put a smile on the youngsters’ faces whether they’re Bolton Wanderers fans or not.”

Delighted youngsters could not believe their luck at meeting the players.

Ellie Holden, aged three, is one of four girls who were born prematurely at 28 weeks.

The Kearsley tot suffers from cerebral palsy and was with her dad, Mark Hanley, for treatment.

The other three girls are identical triplets — Bethan, Millie and Lucy.

He said: “It’s been neverending for us. In the early days, we had to travel between two hospitals in Bolton and Manchester to see the girls. I’ve just had a triple bypass operation myself.”

Corley Fletcher, a pupil at Peel Hall School in Little Hulton, is in hospital with a collapsed lung.

The seven-year-old said: “I’ve met Lofty the Lion before but it was good to see him again.” Five-year-old Rayann Ali, from Deane Road, Bolton, is being treated for breathing problems. His mum Parveen Ali and youngster sister Maira were with him as the Wanderers players called.

Rayann, a Ladybridge School pupil, said: “I play football at school and it’s good to meet real footballers.”

Dominic Holding, aged 13, a Westleigh High School pupil from Leigh, has had his appendix removed but had suffered complications. He said: “I’m a Liverpool supporter but it’s good to see the Bolton players too. I spoke to Kevin Davies and Jay Spearing.”

Leanne Watson, a hospital play worker, led the Wanderers visitors through the ward and said: “This kind of visit by Bolton Wanderers is always a fantastic success. It brightens the children’s day and is great for staff morale too, whether they’re Wanderers fans or not.”