CHRISTMAS came early for sick children at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.

Rugby stars from London Welsh delivered toys and books to the children’s wards as an early Christmas treat.

Suitably bedecked in Santa hats and wielding two large boxes full of goodies, Andy Titterrell, Rob Andrew, Hudson Tonga’uiha, Rhys Crane, Alan Awcock and club captain Matt Corker were accompanied by club mascot Dewi the Dragon as they visited Kamran’s, Melanie’s and Robin’s wards.

Mr Corker said: “It was really nice; the children seemed pleased to see us, particularly Dewi, and hopefully it was nice for them to have unexpected visitors.

“Nobody wants to be in hospital at Christmas, especially a child, and if we can make them smile then it’s well worth doing.”