Big Sam and Everton players spread Christmas cheer as they visit patients at Alder Hey Children's Hospital

• e-mail

Sam Allardyce and his Everton squad took time out of their preparations for the busy Christmas period to spread some festive cheer to those in need.

The Blues visited Alder Hey Children's Hospital, in the Liverpool suburb of West Derby, to brighten the day of young patients.

Wayne Rooney, Leighton Baines and Co shared jokes and posed for pictures with children as Allardyce's squad did their bit ahead of the Christmas break.

Sam Allardyce and his Everton squad paid a visit to patients at Alder Hey Children's Hospital

Wayne Rooney poses for a photograph with one of the children at the Liverpool hospital

The Blues squad, who brought presents and their Angry Birds mascot, pose for a picture

Leighton Baines and the rest of the squad were decked out in blue Santa hats for the trip

Returning forward Yannick Bolasie jokes around with a young patient at Alder Hey on Thursday

The Everton squad, who face champions Chelsea on Saturday, were all decked out in blue Santa hats and came equipped with two blue sacks of presents. They were also joined by their Angry Birds mascot for the trip.

Allardyce has reinvigorated Everton since replacing the sacked Ronald Koeman. And he and his players ensured Christmas came early for those patients being treated at the hospital. 

After their clash with Chelsea, the Toffees face four matches in 10 days as they look to continue their run of six matches without defeat.

Their goodwill gesture comes less than two weeks after the red half of Merseyside paid a visit to the children at Alder Hey.

Jurgen Klopp, Jordan Henderson and Co made their annual visit to the Hospital earlier this month, following their 1-1 derby draw with Allardyce's Everton.

Aaron Lennon, Jordan Pickford and Ademola Lookman were among the other stars to take part

Mason Holgate, Ashley Williams and Co pose for a picture with a young patient at Alder Hey

Local hero Tom Davies shares a smile with a young girl being treated at the Liverpool hospital

Allardyce and his players sought to spread some Christmas cheer to patients on Thursday

Baines shares a joke with a young girl as defender Michael Keane watches on and laughs