A HAPPY Valley star has become an ambassador for a hospice which helps families across the Bradford district. 

Actor Rhys Connah, who played Ryan in the hit BBC drama, has this week been named as an ambassador for Forget Me Not Children's Hospice.

The Huddersfield-based hospice supports babies and children with life-shortening conditions and their families.

Rhys said he has been a "big fan" of Forget Me Not since he visited the hospice last year and saw "the amazing work they do there to support children and families".

"I loved spending time with a group of children last summer practising our forestry skills in the hospice’s beautiful garden," he added.

"That's when I knew I wanted to do more.

"It's only because of the support of the whole community raising money for Forget Me Not that the charity exists at all.

"That's why I'm proud to have become an official ambassador for the children’s hospice and hope to help them do more of what they do," added Rhys, who played the son of Sarah Lancashire's character Catherine Cawood in Happy Valley.

Meanwhile, Forget Me Not is holding an open day at at its hospice on Russell House, Huddersfield, on April 13 and 17. For more information, visit www.forgetmenotchild.co.uk/open-day