West Ham footballers helped bring some early Christmas cheer when they visited sick youngsters, including a little girl from Bow.

Alexis Hunt, five, has a tube in her windpipe to help her breathe and spends time at Richard House Children’s Hospice, in Beckton.

She and the other young patients were visited by Hammers stars Andy Carroll, Javier Hernandez, Felipe Anderson and Winston Reid, who spoke to the children and their families, posed for photographs and handed out a few early Christmas presents.

Alexis’ mum Kelly said: “Coming here and meeting the players was amazing, just amazing.

“It is something Alexis will remember and smile about for a very long time.”

Felipe Anderson added: “This is my first visit to Richard House but what has really struck me is the warmth and care from the staff.

“The children have been happy and laughing all day, and this is certainly a humbling experience that I will never forget.”