CHRISTMAS came early for a number of youngsters in Hartlepool, as Craig Harrison and his wife Danielle hosted a special party.

The manager of Hartlepool United and his wife linked up with the Hartlepool Virtual School at Hartlepool Borough Council as 16 children had a special party at Victoria Park.

The Pools boss was keen to give something back to the local community, with him and Danielle providing everything – including lunch, and a visit from Santa Claus who came bearing a bag of gifts for each of the children.

Danielle – who dressed as the Fairy Godmother – is a children’s entertainer and dance instructor and led the games with the star-struck youngsters who came from various schools across the town.

“We were shopping for presents for our little girl and I said we were so lucky and fortunate to be in a position where we can enjoy Christmas and what it is all about,’’ said Mr Harrison.

“Football is immaterial compared to this. We organised the party. My wife has a dance school in Chester and is now opening up in Durham too – she’s very good at it.

“We wanted to do something. I’m not afraid to admit it was a very emotional time because having a child that age.

“That could be their only presents this year because of the world we live in and it’s not right that children of that age may not have a real Christmas.

“It was heartbreaking it really was, but very rewarding too for myself and Danielle. Our little girl is lucky to get what she wants and has two loving parents.

“Danielle kept them all entertained and we gave them all presents, photos with Santa, party food and games and we gave them the best possible Christmas we could give them.

“We bought them all presents such as slipper-socks, hats and gloves, selection boxes and games – and I think the sparkly unicorn pyjamas some of the girls were given went down particularly well.

“It’s very sad, but hopefully we put a smile on their faces and I would like to repeat it in the coming weeks and months if we can.’’

He added: “We were starting our Christmas shopping for our five-year-old daughter, Ruby-Blu.

“Lucy Cumming from Hartlepool Virtual School helped us arrange the party with boys and girls of a similar age to Ruby-Blu and it was just perfect really for what we wanted to do.

Lucy Cumming added: “Hartlepool Virtual School would like to thank Craig and Danielle for organising and delivering such a memorable afternoon for our young children.

“The experience they were given will be life-changing for some of the children and without will be something they will remember for many years to come.”