HUNDREDS of children battling illness were given a special festive treat when they were guests at an annual Christmas party.

The event has been organised by charity champion Les Hoey, from Wishaw, for the last 14 years.

But Mr Hoey MBE, who has been fundraising for sick children for two ­decades, said the bash at Motherwell FC's ground Fir Park yesterday was the ­"biggest yet".

A host of well-known ­faces were on hand to entertain the nearly 200 kids, including former patients of Yorkhill Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Glasgow.

BBC presenter Judith Ralston joined football stars from Premiership teams St Mirren, Motherwell and Partick Thistle at the event.

There were also performances from Glasgow girl band Sweet Injection and city three-piece Supanova.

Youngsters were given toys and the opportunity to win raffle prizes.

Les, who arranges trips and treats for youngsters battling illness throughout the year, said: "The Christmas party is always extra special for me. It is great to see the smiles on all the wee faces.

"This year is the 14th party and the biggest yet. We might need a bigger venue next year. Sweet Injection, the girl band, went down a storm with the children and the footballers are always popular.

"The whole Motherwell team turned up which was fantastic and the other teams were great.

"And Judith Ralston was definitely popular with the dads."

linzi.watson@eveningtimes.co.uk