Leicester City football stars have been spreading festive cheer to care home residents in Stoneygagte.

Alan ‘The Birch’ Birchenall, former footballer and club ambassador, and current players Danny Ward, Harry Souttar and Kasey McAteer donated gifts to residents at Sanders Senior Living’s Graysford Hall and enjoyed a game of carpet bowls during their visit.

Birchenall said: “There are a lot of people in the background at the club who work incredibly hard in organising these kind of visits and days – it’s not an easy job. I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone involved, there are too many people to mention individually but they deserve huge credit.

“I had the biggest shock I’ve had for a while seeing my old team-mate Gerry Summers in Graysford Hall. I made my debut at Sheffield United and he was an experienced first team player there. He guided me as a young 17-year-old in my early days as a professional.”

Rukmi Silva, home manager at Graysford Hall, said: “We had a truly unforgettable evening at Graysford Hall. Leicester City players brought joy, Christmas presents, and shared delightful moments playing carpet bowls with our residents. Our sincerest thanks to Harry Souttar, Danny Ward, Kasey McAteer, Alan Birchenall, James and the wonderful team for organising such a memorable occasion.”