A FORMER Claret's star has become the first celebrity ambassador for Pendleside Hospice.

Striker Jay Rodriguez visited dozens of hospice patients at the Reedley-based hospice with his wife Simone and father Kiko.

The 28-year-old, who currently plays for West Bromwich Albion said he vowed to help promote the hospice’s help to people with life-limiting illnesses.

Mr Rodriguez, who had previously donated to the hospice by donating money on his 21st birthday, said: “I was really surprised but delighted to be asked to become an ambassador for Pendleside.

“It’s such a fantastic local charity and I feel privileged to be able to get involved with helping to promote the work they undertake.

“What strikes you when you come to the hospice is what a happy place it is, despite the fact some of the patients are going through extremely difficult times.

“It was really interesting to have a tour of the facilities, I hadn’t been aware before of all the services and activities that they offered.

“It was a pleasure to meet some patients and staff.

“It was clear to see how much effort the staff put into making Pendleside Hospice such a nice place to be.”

Mr Rodriguez, who scored more than 40 goals for Burnley throughout his five year stint at the East Lancashire outfit, has had one international call up, which was a friendly match against Chile at Wembley Stadium.

Lorraine Webb-Hall from Sycamore Avenue in Burnley, an inpatient at Pendleside Hospice, said: “I was honoured and delighted to meet Jay and he said the same to me.

“I made him promise to come and visit Pendleside again soon, which I’m pleased about as there’s so much more I could chat to him about.

“I’m so glad to hear he’s supporting Pendleside and his support will hopefully have a big impact.”

Helen McVey, chief executive of the hospice, said: “To have Jay as our first celebrity ambassador for the hospice is a real honour and we are thrilled that he will help us to spread the word of the vital work we undertake.

“During the tour we showed Jay, his wife Simone and father Kiko around both the day services and inpatients units and told them about the services we provide, including complementary therapies, rehabilitation, bereavement support, dementia support, hospice at home care, to name a few.”