SPURS players spread Christmas cheer to sick youngsters at Whipps Cross Hospital.

* Armed with sacks full of toys donated by the north London club, England player Darren Anderton and teammates Dean Richards, Goran Bunjecevic, Oyvind Leonardsen and Alton Thelwell dished out presents and signed autographs at the Acorn Unit.

The footballers brightened up the festive season for young patients who had to spend Christmas Day in hospital.

One young Tottenham fan, who had been sent home for Christmas three days before the visit on Tuesday, December 18, returned to the unit just to see his footballing idols.

Dean Beal, 15, from Highams Park, had spent three and a half months in the Acorn Unit. He was upset that he was going to miss the visit, so staff invited him back.

He said: "I love every player. It was worth coming back to hospital to meet them. That was the best Christmas present."

The footballers were glad that their visit cheered up some of the poorly youngsters.

Spurs defender Goran Bunjecevic said: "It was a nice feeling that you are helping young kids. It is sad to see them in the beds. We did something small to make it better for them."

Dean Richards, who has a 15-month-old son called Rio, was saddened that the children spent Christmas in the ward.

He said: "I love kids. It is difficult to see them in hospital at this time of year. Hopefully this visit made Christmas a bit better for them."

Darren Anderton added: "The children are in here when they would prefer to be at home. It makes you realise how lucky you are."