Stars from Walsall Football Club netted a really warm welcome from patients at Fair Oaks Day Hospice when they visited earlier this month.

They included super fan Peter Noble, aged 94, who has been a Saddlers supporter for more than 80 years.

He enjoyed a chat with manager Dean Keats and provided some tips and encouraging words for the team.

Peter said: “I love coming to the centre – there’s a good crowd, especially the staff.

Visits such as this feature as part of the service’s ‘diversional therapy’ programme where the patients get involved in activities that act as a distraction from their life-limiting illnesses.

Ann Corfield, 76, was making pomander Christmas decorations when the players visited.

She said: “It was lovely of the footballers to come.”

Another thrilled patient was 94-year-old Teresa Crutchley who has been attending Fair Oaks Day Hospice for four years and has supported Walsall since her husband got her interested in football when they were courting.

“My late brothers all supported Walsall too.”

Kath Gee, who has volunteered at the day hospice at Walsall’s Palliative Care Centre for 15 years, was also pleased to see the team members.