A Hollyoaks actress has become a patron of Little Havens Hospice.

Screen star Sophie Austin visited Little Havens with her partner, singer and actor Shayne Ward to meet some of the families the charity supports.

The actress was so impressed by Little Havens and the variety of support the service offers to families across Essex that she decided it would be a real honour to become a patron.

Sophie said: “It was an absolute pleasure to meet the families at Little Havens.

“Their stories were incredibly inspirational and I thoroughly enjoyed my day chatting with the children, parents and staff at the hospice.

“I learnt so much about what hospice care really is.

“I think you just expect it to be sad, but Little Havens was the absolute opposite – it was just full of love, laughter and joy.

“The care team are amazing - they really do make a real difference to every child’s life, no matter how short.

“Being a parent it really hit home how vital places like Little Havens are.

“I was surprised that it is the only place in Essex wholly dedicated to caring for youngsters with life-limiting illnesses and supporting families for as long as they are needed.

“I am really pleased to be the charity’s new patron.”

Sophie is launching her support of Little Havens at a concert on December 8 organised by Café of The Angels, Sawbridgeworth.

The actress will be performing with the café’s owner Austin James and local singer Esther Richards.

Lauren Summers, deputy ward sister at Little Havens, said: “We all had a great time meeting Sophie and Shayne when they visited us and we’re thrilled that she wants to be a patron.”