Australian aactor Mark Little has strengthened his backing for a hospice which cares for people with terminal cancer.

The former Neighbours star has agreed to become a patron of The Martlets in Wayfield Avenue, Hove.

He has been a keen supporter of its work since he launched its weekly lottery in June 2000.

Mark, who now lives in Hove, took part in a celebrity edition of The Weakest Link just before Christmas.

He got the better of Ann Robinson and fellow celebrities to win £10,000, which he donated to The Martlets.

Mark said: "I am really pleased to have a stronger connection with the hospice.

"Both my wife and I have had the opportunity to see the work undertaken by staff and volunteers for the benefit of local patients and their families.

"We will do all we can to encourage the community to support the future activities of the hospice."

The Martlets is a charity and receives only a fraction of the money it needs from Government grants.

It has to raise most of the £2.2 million necessary to cover its annual running costs itself.

Hospice chief executive, Caroline Lower, said: "We are delighted Mark has become a patron and are sure his commitment will encourage others to take an active interest in our work."