TV and radio presenter Dermot O'Leary has been announced as the new patron of St Helena Hospice in Colchester, and is to attend events at the hospice and visit the Inpatient Unit as part of his new role.

O'Leary commented 'It is an honour to become a patron of St Helena Hospice. The charity is an institution in Colchester and North East Essex, and anyone who lives there has heard of it, and knows the great work they do. I hope we can continue to raise awareness of their invaluable services, and raise much needed funds towards the care of their patients and families'.