Sir Cliff Richard laid the final piece of roof flagstone on to the Shooting Star children's hospice at a topping out ceremony last Wednesday.

The ceremony signified the end of 18 months of work to build the hospice in The Avenue in Hampton.

Sir Cliff, who is the charity's patron, performed the honour in front of trustees, staff, local schoolchildren and supporters from the community who had helped raise the cash to build the hospice over the years.

Sir Cliff said: "I'm hugely proud of the tremendous support from the local community which has enabled this dream to become reality.

"Of course the opening of the hospice is only the beginning and I sincerely hope that people continue to support the charity so that its work can develop and progress as time goes on."

Shooting Star founder Kate Turner said: "This historic occasion marks another achievement since our work began nine years ago.

"It is testament to the work of so many and I thank my trustees, staff, volunteers and supporters who have contributed to our success story."

The trust needs £2.5million every year to run the hospice.