A CHILDREN'S hospice has welcomed a new patron.

Little Havens Hospice, Thundersley has announced footballing legend Peter Shilton OBE as its patron.

The sports star was so impressed by Little Havens and the variety of support that the service offers to families across Essex, that he decided to show the charity continued support by joining as a Patron.

He visited the hospice in August.

Peter said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet the families at Little Havens, their stories were incredibly inspirational and I thoroughly enjoyed speaking to the children about football.

“It was an honour to join the children, families and staff at Little Havens and I am very pleased to be the charity’s new Patron – by pledging my support I hope that I can help them continue fulfilling their promise of ‘Making every day count’ for all those that need them for as long as they’re needed.”

Lauren Summers, Deputy Ward Sister at Little Havens said “We all had a great time meeting Peter and Steph when they visited us in August and we’re thrilled that he wants to be a Patron.

"We can only exist because of the support of the community; so to have the support of a sporting great is amazing. On behalf of everyone who works for Little Havens and also the families that use our services, I would like to thank Peter for his support and patronage – we all look forward to seeing him here again soon.”