A cricket legend visited a children’s hospice, brightening up the day for youngsters and grown ups alike.

Alec Stewart was at Richard House Children’s Hospice in Beckton where he spoke about his career.

The former England captain, who played 133 tests and 170 one day internationals for England between 1990 and 2003, met with children and staff at the hospice. He also answered questions about his illustrious cricket career and signed cricket memorabilia for the charity’s annual ball on November 7.

Alec was visiting the hospice in his role as Ambassador for Clydesdale Bank and their charity partnership with Help the Hospices.

Alec said: “Over the past few years I’ve visited a few hospices and I take my hat off to all staff and volunteers who are associated with them. Sometimes I think ‘crikey’, some of the things that seem important in life pale in significance to what goes on here”.

Peter Ellis, Chief Executive at Richard House Children’s Hospice, said: “It was great to have Alec at Richard House and for him to meet the children and staff. Visits like Alec’s play a really important role in raising the awareness of work that Richard House does.”