United stars go on hospital tours to help cheer sick youngsters on wards.

top of the league Toon stars showed they were just as good off the pitch, bringing smiles to sick children in hospital this Christmas.

The entire Newcastle United first team squad was split into three to visit the city's Royal Victoria Infirmary and the Freeman and General hospitals to surprise youngsters who are too ill to go home over the holidays.

Children at the Freeman were treated to nine players standing in for Santa Claus, including skipper Alan Shearer and winger Nolberto Solano.

Warren Barton, Gary Speed and Carl Cort were among 10 players who visited wards at the RVI while goalkeepers Shay Given and Steve Harper headed for Newcastle General.

The squad visited 18 children's wards, chatting to the excited youngsters, handing out Newcastle United goodie bags and signing autographs.

And after a thrilling win in London which took them to the top of the Premiership, the players were assured of a warm welcome.

Midfielder Gary Speed, speaking from Ward 7 in the RVI, said: "It is a great pleasure to have this opportunity. To see the delight on the faces of the children when myself and the players come into the ward is tremendous.

"We are all very pleased to be able to cheer them up and make their day.

"Many of the children are big Newcastle United fans and that is tremendous to see as well."

The players visit the three hospitals every year and are patrons of the Fleming Children's Trust, formerly Friends of the Children's Wing, based at the RVI.

A spokesman for Newcastle United said: "The players get so much out of it and really look forward to going every year. They enjoy it as much of the kids do.

"For the South American players, it also gives them an insight into how our hospitals work and it is good to be able to put something back into the community.

"The visits are part of our commitment to the Fleming Children's Trust which we became patrons of earlier in the year.

"The players spend a good couple of hours visiting all the wards and meeting the children. We do it every year."

Pamela Middleditch, staff nurse at children's Ward 23 of the RVI, said: "It was absolutely lovely having all the players here. They went out of their way to talk to all the kids and parents.

"The children have been so excited since they found out they were coming a few days ago. A few people got very little sleep last night.

"A lot of the players came and signed autographs and handed out presents; it was really lovely.

"It has been a very special day for all the children and there are a lot of happy faces in the ward tonight."