England World Cup hero Sir Geoff Hurst has been appointed as the first ambassador for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court hospice.

Sir Geoff, who lives in Cheltenham, remains the only man to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final when England lifted the trophy in 1966 and has personal links with the hospice.

He said:: "I am delighted to accept the role of ambassador for Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

"Our daughter Claire was cared for by the Sue Ryder Nurses there in 2010 and so the hospice means an awful lot to me and my family.

''The expert nursing care and medical support that Claire received at Leckhampton Court meant that we could simply concentrate on being there for Claire as a family."

He continued: "The hospice is quiet and peaceful and the staff ensured that Claire's final days were as comfortable as possible.

"I'm looking forward to supporting the hospice and helping to promote the work of Sue Ryder."

National healthcare charity Sue Ryder provides specialist palliative, neurological and bereavement support. Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court provides palliative care to its inpatients at the hospice as well as community nurse specialists bringing hospice to home across Gloucestershire.

Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court also provides a day hospice which helps people living with long term conditions to avoid unnecessary trips to hospital, as well as offering social opportunities alongside others experiencing similar circumstances.

Hospice director Elise Hoadley said: "We are absolutely thrilled to have Sir Geoff on board as our first ambassador.

"We are looking forward to working together in the future in what I know will be a fantastic partnership."