A sports promoter and businessman has accepted an invitation to become a children's hospice newest patron. 

Barry Hearn, founder of Matchroom Sports and former chairman of Leyton Orient, has been supporting Haven House Children's Hospice in Woodford Green for many years, helping to raise over £350,000. 

Through his association with both World Snooker and the Professional Darts Corporation, the High Road-based hospice has been named their chosen charity. 

Mr Hearn said he was hugely appreciative of becoming a patron. 

"I have really got to know the staff at Haven House over the years and have seen for myself the great work that the hospice does for children and families in the local community.

"I’m proud to support Haven House and even prouder to have been made a patron."

Mr Hearn was brought up in a council estate in Dagenham and realised from an early age that charity begins at home. 

Speaking in January's issue of West Essex Life, the entrepreneur and self-confessed workaholic described the people of Essex as "generous by nature" and a "county that gets off its backside and makes things happen."

CEO of Haven House, Mike Palfreman, said he was "delighted" Mr Hearn accepted the invitation. 

He added: "Mr Hearn has been a key supporter for many years and we wanted to formally recognize his outstanding contribution.

"He will be joining an exclusive group of people who have supported our hospice over a long period of time, either through significant donations to our work or connecting us with others who share our vision in supporting local life-limited children and families."