TOWIE star Mario Falcone and his mum Kim took some Christmas cheer to the families of sick children at a children’s hospice.

They paid a visit to Little Havens in Daws Heath Road, Thundersley, yesterday, to dish out £500 of thoughtful gifts, including bottles of wine for the parents, toys and fleece blankets for the children and vouchers for teenagers, who all receive support from the hospice.

The charity cares for seriously ill children and their families across Essex and wanted to provide them with some Christmas cheer.

After leaving the centre, Mario tweeted: “Nice afternoon @HavensHospices.... An amazing place! Lovely children and staff! Xxx”

Mario and his mum took time to sit and speak with families to learn how they benefit from the hospice.

They also enjoyed a tour of the facilities, which include a hydrotherapy pool, multi-sensory room and messy play area.

The children then gave Mario a tour of the hospice, before helping him to leave his handprint on a wall which has the handprints of all the children who have been cared for by Little Havens in the past and present.

Rachel Townsend, of the Little Havens care team, said, "We all loved meeting Mario and his mum, Kim.

“Mario was fantastic with the children and really made them smile.

“He was in no rush and took a huge interest in talking to everyone and was so generous with all his gifts. What a special treat the day has been for us all.”