TONY Mowbray said it was a ‘humbling’ experience for his Blackburn Rovers players as they handed out Christmas presents on the children’s ward at the Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Mowbray, and 16 of his players, visited the hospital armed with toys and Rovers-themed goodies.

It was the second time this week the squad have spread festive cheer among fans, having all been in attendance at the club’s disabled supporters club Christmas party.

“I think it’s very humbling for the footballers first and foremost to walk around and see the parents and the children,” Mowbray said.

“Being a family man myself, it’s a frightening place really. Christmas is a time when you should be at home together, having fun, but your children are laid in bed in a hospital ward.

“Anything we can do to bring a smile to a child’s face, by giving them a present, hopefully it helps a little bit.

“The community is important to any football club and it’s important our team get out in the community and meet people."

“It’s not ideal children being in hospital this time of year but if we can put a smile on faces then that’s good.”

Of those to benefit from the generosity of the players was six-year-old Thomas Sykes.

The football-mad youngster was on the ward with chest pains, though dad Dean said his oxygen levels had risen somewhat when the players stopped by for a picture.

“It’s just makes a nice change to see some different faces,” he said.

“We’re hoping he’s not going in to be in too long.

“I think this is the closest I’ve ever been to a footballer as well!”

The squad turned out in number on the ward after training, ahead of today’s home match with Birmingham City.

Midfielder Corry Evans, the club’s longest-serving player, has taken part in many of these visits, but says it remains an important part of the club’s work.

“I have three kids myself and it’s not nice to see young children in hospital with an illness over the Christmas period,” he said.

“You want them to be at home enjoying time with their families.

“We have helped to raise their spirits by handing out some presents and it was good to see some smiles going round and seeing the children.

On a good showing of players, he added: “It’s the way this group is, it’s a team, we’re all in it together.

“It’s well run by the players to be that way.”