FOOTBALLERS met some real little stars at a special Christmas party earlier today, Wednesday, December 18.

Middlesbrough FC first-team players met children and young people who have fought against serious illness or cared for brothers and sisters following the death of a parent.

They had all been invited to the club’s Riverside stadium as VIPs for the club’s annual Champion Children Golden Ticket party.

Father Christmas paid a visit and there was also a balloon modeler, face-painter and Boro mascot Roary the Lion.

“These are very special children,” said a Middlesbrough FC spokesman, “and we hope to give them one of the best parties on Teesside.”