Music mogul Simon Cowell has been appointed vice-president of Shooting Star Chase after a decade of service to the charity.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Thanks: After a decade, Simon Cowell has been named a vice-president

Mr Cowell was invited to become vice-president in recognition for the work he has done to raise funds and awareness of the charity and his appointment was made public at an afternoon tea at the Dorchester hotel on Friday, May 22.

Mr Cowell has hosted an annual afternoon tea since 2012, donated exclusive auction prizes and attended and spoken at some of the charity's high profile events.

He has also made a number of private visits to the Hampton hospice to spend time with families and staff and last year's X Factor finalists also paid a visit.

Mr Cowell said it was a "huge honour" to have been asked to be vice president for the hospice and praised the work staff do to help babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.

He added: "I remember the first time I was invited down to a hospice, and I’ve got to be honest, I was dreading it. I pictured just greyness in my mind before I got there, then I walked in to this place, which should be sad but it wasn’t. Instead, it was - and is - a beautiful place to be.

"I’ve formed a very close bond with the people involved with the charity over the years and it has become extremely close to my heart.

"I hope my ongoing role will encourage others to get involved - the support Shooting Star Chase receive really does make a difference to the care they can provide to families who desperately need it."

Mr Cowell's partner, Lauren Silverman, has also accepted an invitation to become patron of Shooting Star Chase, having played a significant role in supporting the work of the charity since being introduced to it. Karen Sugarman, director of fundraising at Shooting Star Chase, said: "We are so proud and honoured that Simon and Lauren have accepted their new roles.

"Their passion and commitment to our work is amazing and I know they will help us to continue to make a significant and lasting difference to what we do to help families in the most unimaginable of circumstances."