ALBION are spreading further festive cheer in the local community this Christmas after donating two sackfuls of presents to Sandwell Council's toy appeal.

The Club have joined forces with the players to pay for the gifts which will be delivered to looked-after children across the borough.

Goalkeeper Dean Kiely and Roman Bednar will officially present the toys, on behalf of the Albion Foundation, to Sandwell Council officials at a photocall at the Club's training ground tomorrow (Friday) morning from 9.30am.

Jamie Bunch, Sporting Director of the Albion Foundation, said: "In addition to our two annual hospital visits, this is another group of children who fully deserve the Club's support.

"We've got a long history of working with looked-after children in Sandwell and we know the gifts will be going to very worthy homes.

"We work closely with many of Sandwell Council's departments for the benefit of the local community and we're delighted to be supporting their toy appeal."

Council leader Cllr Darren Cooper said: "This is a marvellous gesture by the Albion players and the club.

"These presents will make Christmas a happier time for scores of children under the care of Sandwell Council."

Kerry Jones, who helped organise the council's toy collection, added: "This was a big surprise - the children will be delighted to open the Albion presents on Christmas Day."

The Club's toy donation complements the players' two annual hospital visits.

Over the past two weeks, first-team squad members have made trips to the children's wards at Sandwell and Russells Hall hospitals and will also attend the forthcoming Junior Baggies Christmas party.

PIC: IN THE BAG...Sandwell Council surveyor Kerry Jones and assistant surveyor Christine Hackett accpet Christmas gifts for looked-after children from Roman Bednar and Dean Kiely.