The children’s wards at Bradford Royal Infirmary were awash with claret and amber yesterday as Billy Bantam spread some festive cheer.

Supporters’ groups Friends of Bradford City, Shipley Bantams, Bantamstrek and SMF Print Bradford joined the Bradford City mascot to hand out Christmas gifts to young patients on wards two, 16 and 17.

Children spending the holiday season in hospital were treated to copies of Bantams’ book The League of Dreams, Friends of Bradford City scarves, We Made History DVDs and selection boxes.

Mick Shackleton, of Friends of Bradford City, said: “We wanted to spread some Christmas cheer and paint the wards claret and amber. Billy Bantam put smiles on the faces of children who can’t be at home over the festive period. “