FORMER Newcastle United star John Anderson is bringing belated Christmas cheer to youngsters at a North-East hospital today (Thursday, February 16).

The footballer turned BBC sports commentator will help hand over 85 gifts collected at Sainsbury’s in Northumberland Park, to the Great North Children’s Hospital at Newcastle’s RVI.

The gifts were collected over the Christmas period by staff and customers at the North Tyneside supermarket, in support of Hope 4 Kidz.

Funded entirely by the support of kind-hearted individuals and the business community, the Sunderland-based charity helps disadvantaged young people living with life-limiting illness, special needs or living in poverty.

Store manager Lee Chilton said: “Over Christmas we collected various toys and gifts to support Hope 4 Kidz and thanks to the generosity of our local community and colleagues, this has been a huge success.

“I am extremely pleased that all these gifts are to be given to the hospital, and I would like to thank everyone who supported us.”

The gifts will be presented on Thursday morning, and Helga Charters, matron at Great North Children’s Hospital said: “We greatly appreciate our local charitable supporters and thank Hope 4 Kidz for yet another generous delivery of gifts.

“This really helps make the time our children spend in the hospital as enjoyable as possible and we are all delighted with this donation.”