Suffolk's famous pop star has joined the A-team after being named as an ambassador of East Anglia's Children's Hospices (Each).

Ed Sheeran visited the Treehouse, in Ipswich, yesterday where he met youngsters and staff.

And officials from Each said they wanted to publicly recognise and celebrate the support the singer has provided the charity.

During the visit, Sheeran took a tour of the facilities and took part in a music therapy session, led by Each music therapist, Ray Travasso.

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

Sheeran 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.'

Sheeran announced his visit on Twitter yesterday and asked his followers to support the charity, which led to the Each Twitter page gaining about 300 followers within a few hours.

That was one of a number of times the star has showed his support for the cause, which has included releasing a limited edition guitar to raise funds. During his visit, he 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.

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.'

Each cares for and supports youngsters with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

Have you had a celebrity encounter? Email newsdesk@archant.co.uk.