CBEEBIES presenter Chris Jarvis is the new face of Bournemouth-based national charity Round Table Children's Wish (RTCW).

Chris, who has lived on Bournemouth's East Cliff for 10 years, joins fellow RTCW patron Harry Redknapp in promoting the charity's work granting wishes for children with life threatening illnesses.

Chris's patronage is a huge boost for Round Table Children's Wish, which celebrates its 25th birthday this year.

The charity's director, Karen Winchcombe said: "We are absolutely delighted that Chris is to become our newest patron. His enthusiasm, compassion and sense of fun will be a huge asset in growing our wishes."

She continued: "Chris is an icon to children across the country and well-loved here in Bournemouth and we know he will do a great job in raising the profile of our work."

The charity was founded by Bournemouth Round Table in 1988 as Bournemouth North 1066 Round Table Children's Wish.

Later becoming Round Table Children's Wish, it has gone on to grant thousands of handcrafted wishes for poorly children.

Recent wishes include sending a child recovering from cancer to meet her idols at a London film premiere, arranging for a child with leukaemia and her family to go on holiday to Disneyland Paris and presenting a top of the range electric guitar to a music-mad teenager with bone cancer.

Chris said: "Children and young people with life threatening illnesses often endure long and gruelling treatment.

"But the chance to experience a wish, whether it is a dream holiday, meeting a favourite celebrity or receiving a special gift, brings much-needed joy to them and their families.

"It's an absolute honour to become patron of this wonderful charity and I am looking forward to seeing its amazing work first hand."

For more information about RTCW or to get involved in fundraising phone: 01202 514515 or visit: www.rtcw.org