IT WAS a day of double surprises for young patients at the Oxford Children’s Hospital yesterday.

Not only were the children treated to an early visit from Father Christmas, but they were delighted again in the afternoon when Oxford United stars arrived with a bag full of presents.

Santa gave the reindeer and elves a day off in preparation for the big night.

Instead, he arrived in style at the John Radcliffe Hospital in a Puma helicopter flown by 230 Squadron from RAF Benson.

The big man, who looked a lot like Corporal David Morrison, an engineer with 230 Squadron, then made his way to Kamran’s Ward where he met the children, many of whom have cancer, and delivered presents donated by the squadron.

Then in the afternoon, the U’s team, joined by mascot Ollie the Ox, walked around the wards and chatted and played with the children.

They handed out gifts they and the fans had donated.

Among those eager to meet the team was six-year-old Darius Ali, from Iffley.

The SS Mary and John pupil was in hospital after catching his finger in a door, and was just about to go for surgery when he met with the team.

He said: “I went to see Oxford United with my dad. I really like them.

“I am really looking forward to Christmas now.”

Charlie Bacon, four, from Fringford, near Bicester, was also waiting to be taken for surgery on his thumbs when he met with the players. Despite being a Liverpool fan at heart, he enjoyed a kickabout with the team, and has promised to follow the Yellows in future.

United fan Mike Naylor, of Bicester, was proud to introduce two-year-old son Dylan, to the team as the toddler recovered from a stomach injury.

Mr Naylor, 25, said: “I used to follow United when I was younger and when Dylan is old enough I will definitely take him to a game.”

Captain Jake Wright said he and the rest of the squad were honoured to be asked to the hospital.

He said: “The staff do a brilliant job at the Children’s Hospital. We enjoyed chatting to them, and the kids on the wards were brilliant.

“Hopefully the presents will be well used and as many as possible of the children that we met will get to spend Christmas at home.”

U’s community officer Peter Rhoades-Brown added: “The fans are unbelievable with the number of presents they bring in. I’d like to thank everyone for that.

“It is always very humbling to see the kids in the hospital and the way they are being looked after.

“There were children from miles around on those wards and the city of Oxford is very fortunate to have the Children’s Hospital doing such a great job.”

Wing Commander Alastair Smith, of 230 Squadron, said he was thrilled to be involved with such a wonderful occasion for the children.

He said: “230 Squadron has a close relationship with the children’s cancer ward here at John Radcliffe and we are delighted to be able to bring smile to the children’s faces, especially at this time of year.”