STOKE City star Jon Walters swapped playing a tireless striker for a generous Santa when he delivered bags full of food to elderly residents.

The Potters' number 19 joined dozens of young volunteers yesterday to hand-deliver more than 100 'rescue packs' to people living in Bentilee.

Earlier in the day, the Irish international put a shift in at Sainsbury's, in Stoke, where he helped to pack the bags full of essential items like milk, sugar and household goods, before heading out in one of the supermarket's delivery vans.

And Christmas came early for 79-year-old City fan Ken Downs, when he answered a knock on the door of his Wellfield Road home to find Jon standing outside.

Mr Downs and his wife Jane, also aged 79, wasted no time in inviting Jon into their home for a cup of tea and a biscuit in their living room.

Mr Downs said: "What a fantastic surprise.

"It's not every day a you get a knock on the door and answer it to find a Premier League footballer on the other side.

"I'm a big Stoke fan so Christmas presents don't get much better than this."

Fans' favourite Jon, aged 28, said: "It's great to be out in the community like this and supporting the people who support us week-in, week-out.

"It's only a small thing that we're doing but hopefully it will bring a smile to the faces of a few people, particularly at Christmas.

"The club is getting more and more involved with the community every year and it's great to see."

When Jon's time was up, he shook the hands of Mr and Mrs Downs and thanked them for having him, before visiting other homes on the estate.

The visit was part of a week of voluntary work organised by the football club, in conjunction with Stoke-on-Trent College and Stoke-on-Trent Challenge, which is designed to make a difference to the lives of people at this time of year.

The 'rescue packs', which were organised with help from Sainsbury's and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service, cost around £500, with the bill being met by the Premier League club as part of its community fund.

Adrian Hurst, the club's head of community, said: "Christmas is a time for giving and this programme of voluntary work will give the football club an opportunity to make it a much happier occasion for many people within the local community.

"We could not have organised these events without the tremendous support we have received and I would like to express our gratitude to Sainsbury's, Stoke-on-Trent College and Staffordshire Fire and Rescue."

"The enthusiasm and commitment shown by them and indeed the volunteers will bring some welcome cheer to many local people."

Karen Eardley, PR ambassador for Sainsbury's in Stoke, said: "We did this two years ago and it was really successful, so we're delighted to see Stoke City getting on board this time around.

"Hopefully we can make this bigger and better every year and keep it going."