A former Coronation Street star has become the new patron of a Preston hospice.

Tisha Merry, who grew up near Lostock Hall, takes on the role after appearing at a number of St Catherine’s Hospice events this year.

She is best known as playing waitress in Corrie for four years.

Her late grandfather was cared for at the hospice, and Tisha joins sports stars Mark Lawrenson and Bill Beaumont as being a patron of the hospice.

Tisha said: “I’m really excited to become a patron of such a wonderful local charity, whose work is extremely close to my heart.

“The care they gave to not only my granddad, but all of the family, was so important and gave us precious time together. Supporting St Catherine’s is my way of helping families to access the same priceless care which can make all the difference when facing such a difficult and emotional time.

“I’m proud to be associated with such a well-respected and well-loved local charity, and am really looking forward to working together more in the future to promote and celebrate hospice care and the work of St Catherine’s.”

This year has seen Tisha, and some of her Corrie mates, join the annual Moonlight and Memories walk as well as attending the charity’s annual Yellow Day garden fete.

Tisha and Corrie pals for the Moonlight walk

Read more: Spot yourself at the St Catherine’s Hospice moonlight walk

Chief executive of St Catherine’s Hospice Stephen Greenhalgh said: “We’re thrilled to be welcoming Tisha on board as a patron and extremely grateful to her for all of her support so far.

“It was fantastic to welcome her and her Coronation Street friends to the Moonlight and Memories Walk – they added to the buzz which always surrounds this extra special night, and it was great to see them posing for pictures and signing autographs for our supporters.

“We’re sure Tisha is going to be a wonderful asset to St Catherine’s and a powerful ambassador for hospice care moving forward into the future.”