Albion striker Craig Mackail-Smith gave young patients a boost when he paid a surprise visit to Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton.

The star took a break from training to show his support for the Brighton-based children’s charity Rockinghorse, which organised the visit.

He spent time meeting children on the wards, including Alfie Price, four, signing autographs and having pictures taken.

He also handed out goody bags donated by Brighton and Hove Albion’s Young Seagulls.

He said: “It’s great to come to the children’s hospital and take time out to put a smile on the kids’ faces.

“It puts a smile on my face to be able to make them feel better and give something back.”

As the official fundraising arm of the Alex, Rockinghorse has raised more than £250,000 for projects at the hospital.

Charity chief executive Ryan Heal said: “We were delighted to be able to co-ordinate this visit and are extremely grateful to Craig to take time out of his personal schedule to visit patients at the Alex.”

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