AWARD-winning Pakistani actress Mehwish Hayat took a tour of the Bradford district.

The VIP, hailed by some as the ‘Angelina Jolie of South Asia’, has been appointed ambassador to UK-based international humanitarian charity, Penny Appeal.

She dropped in to Park Avenue cricket ground, off Canterbury Avenue, Vanilla Rooms, Leeds Road, and the Womenzone family centre to meet local Muslim mothers and children.

Speaking about her visit to the cricket ground, where she was supporting the Inspirational Women’s Charity Cricket Tournament, she said: "It is such a pleasure to be in Bradford and be at this amazing event. Cricket, inspirational women- what’s there not to like?

"Thank you to everyone here today, especially to Fatima Patel for inviting me and making this happen.

"It is so good to see so many families here; mums, dads and it especially pleases me to see so many children. Children are our future and we owe it to them to give them the best possible start in life.”

The Lollywood star visited the UK to announce her appointment as an ambassador to the Penny Appeal charity, plus her participation in next year’s London Marathon to raise funds for its international education campaign.

Aamer Naeem, Penny Appeal CEO, said the charity was “delighted” to have the actress on board. Pictures: Penny Appeal