FOOTBALL fans got an early Christmas present as Colchester United players dropped into a popular food store.

U's stars Sammie Szmodics and Oluwasanmi Odelusi were at the East of England Co-op in Peartree Road, Stanway.

The pair signed autographs and posed for selfies with fans while free sweets, festive stickers and teabags were given to shoppers.

Lynn Warner, community events manager at East of England Co-op said: β€œIt was fantastic to have Colchester United players, Sammie and Oluwasanmi come to the store.

"It really added to the festivities and was a lovely opportunity for the young fans to meet some of their footballing heroes.”