Christmas came early for children at Darent Valley Hospital, thanks to a special visit from some festive footballers.

Patients on Willow Ward were visited by the National Elf Service, alongside players from Dartford Football Club.

It was organised by Sarah and Emma Burdett, who have been raising money for the Dartford hospital since their son, Grayson, was treated there as a baby.

The tot, from The Ridgeway, Darenth, was born with two holes in his heart and one heart valve, and underwent open heart surgery at just one month old.

Staff at Darent Valley helped prepare Grayson for the operation at St Thomas's Hospital in London, keeping his heart going before the crucial treatment.

Now, more than a year later, and dressed as an elf herself, Sarah got stuck in alongside the ward's play specialists, Sharon Samuels and Donna Day.

Elves filled the ward, passing out teddies while providing children which a much-needed distraction from being unwell.

Speaking to KMTV, Sarah said: "We put together a fund so we could pay for the National Elf Service to come and bring some toys and books for the kids, to try and make that hospital stay a little bit more pleasant.

"It's just a break, when you're in here 24/7 they're sick day and night, and there's not always a chance for them to get out of bed.

"It's just something to brighten up their day, and give them ten or fifteen minutes away from being ill, to be a normal kid.

"We contacted Dartford Football Club and asked them if they wanted to get involved, and they kindly donated £200 to the fund.

"They've been fantastic, and they wanted to be involved today to come and meet the kids - they've been really cool."

Among the patients was Grace Harrison, 11, who had broken her arm while playing football.

Dartford player Ronnie Vint sympathised, adding: "A couple of seasons ago I did a similar thing, so I can see where she's coming from.

"It was nice to give her the shirt and the teddy bear."

He said he wanted to put a smile on the children's faces, and "give something back" to the local community.