JOLLY rugby players, Christmas carols and reindeer games were all part of the Green and Whites Christmas visit at the Nottingham Children's Hospital earlier this week.

Merry Men: Joshua Taylor, 5, with Nottingham Rugby players (L to R) Joe Munro, Andrew Savage, David Jackson, Tim Streather, Brent Wilson.

Nottingham scrum-half Sean Romans tucked the rugby ball away for the afternoon and picked up his guitar to lead an afternoon of festive sing songs at the Queen's Medical Centre.

With golden tonsils Joe Munro, most famous for his rendition ofFairytale of Nottinghamlast year, adding his voice to the tone deaf choir of teammates, the RFU Championship club belted out traditional favouritesJingle BellsandSanta Claus is Coming to Town.

But the young patients, families, nurses and doctors were most impressed by a twist on a classic - Archie the Red Nosed Reindeer.

With the club mascot busting a move, players signing posters and handing out gifts, it seemed that a very unique Christmas story was coming to life on the children's ward.

Munro is convinced Nottingham Rugby stumbled on a chart topper with their Archie tune.

"It went down extremely well and is maybe something we can perform more often as it seems to be a hit in the making with the children," Munro said.

"Considering we hadn't practiced, I thought, apart from stumbling at the start, that it went really well, especially in those last few songs."

The fast-rising centre said the time with patients, sitting in the dialysis unit and helping with a bit of school work in the class room, was the greatest gift he could think of giving this Christmas.

"This time of year is about being cheerful and joyful for the kids and anything we can do to bring some of that to the children is really fulfilling," said Munro.

"A lot of the boys jumped at the chance to volunteer because it is a really important time of year when these youngsters are going through some hard times."

Nottingham Children's Hospital Play Specialist Claire Hardy said: "Nottingham Rugby players really spread some Christmas cheer and put a lot of smiles on people's faces with their carol singing.

"The passion and commitment that the players showed in chatting to patients and families was fantastic to see."