Burnley players visit sick children

Burnley players and staff visit the children's unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Fresh from a 1-0 win over Southampton at the weekend, the squad, management team and staff took time out of their Premier League schedule to visit youngsters in the Children’s Ward at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Armed with gifts including scrap books, teddy bears and Burnley FC annuals, the team dished out the goodies while spending time talking to families and posing for photographs.

“I’ve always spoken about the links with the community and its importance since I’ve been here at Burnley and that’s enhanced at this time of year due to the nature of it, particularly with children,” said Dyche. “Nobody wants their child to be unwell, particularly around Christmas time.

“If nothing else there’s a couple of presents, a few photos for them and if we can just put a few smiles on faces, then it’s all worthwhile.”

The players held a collection to raise money for presents while employees at Burnley’s Asda store made a generous donation to ensure there was an abundance of gifts and club merchandise for all to enjoy.

“It’s great to do work in the community and help charities,” said winger George Boyd. “It’s great to give something back and make people smile at Christmas.

“It’s a lovely family club and I could see that straight away from top to bottom. The community gets behind the team week in week out so it’s nice to give back and come to places like this.

“It’s brilliant to come here and give some presents. It’s not much but it’s nice to see the smiles and it makes it all worth it.”