OXFORD United players showed team spirit when they visited youngsters at the John Radcliffe Hospital yesterday - and announced the Children's Hospital Campaign will be their key charity to support in 2007.

There were smiles all round as the children met first team players such as captain Phil Gilchrist, and chairman Nick Merry and manager Jim Smith. The players signed autographs and gave out gifts such as Oxford United T-shirts and DVDs.

Mr Merry said: "It's nice to bring a bit of Christmas cheer to the wards and see the children. We were told they were very excited about meeting the players, which was lovely to hear. It's important for us to do our bit and if it helps the children, then that's great.

"The hospital campaign is an obvious choice for us to support."

Mr Gilchrist said: "If we've put a smile on just one of the children's faces, and make their Christmas a bit happier, then we'll be happy."

One of the first children to meet the players was eight-year-old Jacob Benson from Hungerford, who has been receiving treatment for leukaemia since August and was due to have an operation today.

Mum Debbie said: "The children only usually see these footballers on the telly, so it's very exciting for them to see them in real life. Jacob played quite a lot of football before he had leukaemia, so was very excited to meet the United players."

Another child to meet the players was Jay Seward, six, from Summertown, Oxford, who is also being treated for leukaemia. He said: "I've now got half of the first team's autographs on an Oxford United shirt, which I will give to my friend for Christmas."

Sally Hitchings, one of the children's ward play specialists, said: "The visit has lifted the whole ward - not just the children but the staff as well."

Manager Jim Smith said such visits gave the players a sense of perspective. He added: "It's sad these children will have to spend Christmas in hospital, but we hope this visit has brought some Christmas cheer."