ALASTAIR Stewart has been recognised with a major national award.

The newsreader and broadcaster. who lives at Bramdean near Winchester, received the coveted Charity Champion Award at the prestigious Third Sector awards.

He follows in footsteps of previous winners Lenny Henry and Jo Brand.

He was nominated for his work in support of Naomi House & Jacksplace hospices at Sutton Scotney, and particularly the organisation’s Caterpillar Appeal.

Alastair, who is patron of Naomi House & Jacksplace, fronted the charity’s appeal and helped inspire thousands of people to donate over £4 million to refurbish the region’s children’s hospice.

The award was presented at a glittering gala dinner and awards presentation in London.

Alastair said he was “thrilled beyond belief” to win the award and that it was “an honour to be there to wave the flag for Naomi House & Jacksplace”.

Niamh Paul, celebrity liaison manager at the Teenage Cancer Trust, said he was “just the sort of supporter every charity is after” and Naomi House had built a long-term, meaningful relationship with him.

“It’s amazing to see the incredible impact Alastair has had on the fundraising for the rebuild of Naomi House Children’s Hospice,” she said. “It is fantastic that he has been involved right through the process and that not only has he given of his own time so generously but he has also encouraged his contacts to support it too.”

Alex Feis-Bryce, chief executive of National Ugly Mugs, said: “Every charity needs an Alastair.”

Keith Wilson, marketing manager at Naomi House & Jacksplace, said: “I’ve never met anyone quite like Alastair.

"His passion and enthusiasm for Naomi House & Jacksplace knows no bounds, and we know that if we ever need his help we need only pick up the phone.

"He really has gone above and beyond that which is expected of a charity patron and we are delighted he has been recognised as 2016’s Celebrity Charity Champion.”

Naomi House & Jacksplace provides a comprehensive, 24-hour hospice service to children, young people and families from Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Berkshire, West Sussex, Surrey and the Isle of Wight.

The charity currently cares for more than 300 life-limited and life-threatened children and young people.