Somerset County Cricket Club players and staff carried out their annual Christmas present delivery to the children’s wards at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton this week, spreading festive cheer to patients and hospital workers.

Every year the Club takes sacks of presents to the Acorn and Oak Wards at the hospital, for those who have to spend the festive season under inpatient medical care. This year, top-order batter, Tom Lammonby, head coach, Jason Kerr, and Director of Cricket, Andy Hurry, took part in the tradition as well as all-rounder, Ned Leonard, bowlers Sonny Baker and Alfie Ogborne.

On the day, Kerr said: “It’s so important that we as a Club give everything that we can back to the community. Having children in hospital is very difficult and even more so at this time of year, so it’s vital that we do what we can to try and make that experience a little better.

“The staff here do an incredible job and it’s an honour to be able to support them.”

Musgrove Park Hospital Play Specialist, Melanie Hutchings also said: “Thank you so much for thinking of us all on the Children’s Unit again this year. This year has been another tricky one for us all at the hospital. It makes such a difference when we are thought about, and remembered by the Cricket Club and the wider community.

“The inpatients, frequent attenders and their siblings were so pleased with the gifts they received from you.”