Suffolk music star Ed Sheeran became an ambassador of East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices today following a private tour of the Treehouse, in Ipswich.

The A-team singer met children and EACH staff during the visit, which included a tour of the facilities and taking part in a music therapy session with the children, led by EACH music therapist, Ray Travasso.

Ed also played guitar during the session while the children played on the keyboard and tambourines.

Officials from EACH asked him to become an ambassador to recognise and celebrate his support.

Ed said: “It was great to come to The Treehouse to see the fantastic work the charity does. The facilities are amazing and I can see just how important the care and support is to the children and their families.

“I really enjoyed learning about what’s on offer, especially music therapy, and I had great fun playing the guitar as part of the session.

“It was a really moving experience and I look forward to working with the charity in the future.”

Ed also signed his drum kit in the music studio, which he donated to the Treehouse last year for children and young people to use in music therapy sessions.

He also brought along some lego gifts for the children.

Ed Sheeran’s mum is also a keen supporter of the hospice and made the bracelet that the Duchess of Cambridge wore during her visit to the hospice in 2012.

Vanessa Bell, EACH Suffolk Fundraiser, said: “Ed is a fantastic supporter of EACH so it was great to be able to welcome him to The Treehouse and show him the difference his support makes to our work.

“Not only does Ed help raise vital funds for EACH but he’s also a great ambassador for the charity; raising awareness and understanding of the charity especially through social media to his millions of fans.

“Recognising Ed as an EACH Ambassador is a way of publicly acknowledging and celebrating his support and we look forward to working with him in the future.”

The EADT and Ipswich Star helped to raise the £3million needed to create the Treehouse in Ipswich, which supports youngsters with life-shortening illnesses and their families