A children’s hospice in Woodford Green has announced a partnership with World Snooker Limited in a move which will have a “significant impact” on the work it does.

Haven House Children’s Hospice in High Road was visited by the organisation’s chairman Barry Hearn on Thursday.

He said World Snooker is aiming to raise �120,000 for the hospice in the next year.

Mr Hearn, who has been associated with the hospice for a number of years, was shown round by staff before meeting children and their families.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to support such a wonderful charity that makes a massive difference to the lives of children and their families.

“We are working with Haven House on a range of exciting initiatives and are aiming to raise a minimum of �120,000 in the next year”.

During his visit, Mr Hearn watched a music therapy session which sees children interact and communicate through rhythms and sounds.

The weekly classes are run by Maeve Rigney who supplies a selection of instruments including drums and tambourines which youngsters have a go at playing.

A hospice spokesman said: “A lot of our children are unable to communicate and this is a way for them to express themselves which they really enjoy.

“You can see the changes in them when they are able to show a bit of animation.”

Reflecting on the partnership, Christine Twomey, director of nursing at the hospice, said: “This is an extremely significant relationship for us.

“It will have a significant impact on the work we do and we look forward to working closely with World Snooker over the coming months.”

The hospice helps families by providing a range of services which include day, short break and end-of-life care, together with therapeutic play in the community.

For more information, visit www.havenhouse.org.uk or call 020 8505 9944.