BLACKBURN Rovers have kicked off their 12 Days of Christmas initiative with a visit by striker Adam Armstrong to a local care home.

Care homes all across the UK and particularly in East Lancashire have faced a hugely challenging year on the frontline of the coronavirus crisis and as such were hugely grateful to welcome such a high-profile supporter.

Armstrong spread some festive cheer at Pendle Brook Care Home and delivered a Christmas hamper to the frontline staff at the Oswaldtwistle care home as a goodwill gesture on behalf of the club for all their work throughout this difficult year.

The 23-year-old said: “It’s wonderful to be here.

"People are doing great things around Blackburn and Accrington, which is brilliant to see, and it’s nice for us to play a small part in it as well.”

Staff and residents alike were thrilled by the gesture.

Pendle Brook activity coordinator Claire Rothwell said: “It was lovely to have Adam here today.

“It was really unexpected, but very much appreciated.

“Thank you so much to everyone at Blackburn Rovers.”

Rovers players will be visiting other worthy causes over the next 12 days to say thank you to local communities for everything they have done and continue to do throughout the current pandemic crisis.