TELEVISION star Martin Compston has shown he remains a proud branch of the Green Oak Tree by snapping up the first leaf on Ardgowan Hospice's striking new sculpture.

Martin recently visited the hospice, currently facing a £100,000 deficit due to the impact of coronavirus, to add a message to their memory tree.

The Line of Duty star is a patron of his home town hospice and says he was proud to make a contribution to the piece, designed by Claudia Ashley-Brown.

It has been created to not only provide a new revenue stream for the much-loved local charity, but to help bereaved people to remember their lost loved ones too.

Despite the hospice doors currently being closed due to coronavirus, it is hoped that when the building is reopened donors will be able to drop-in whenever they're passing to come and reflect, reminisce and pay tribute.

The hospice has had to cancel all upcoming fundraising events so by purchasing a leaf supporters can help fund vital patient care during these tough times.

To dedicate a leaf on the tree, people can choose three options - a white gold leaf for one year for £120 (or £10 a month by direct debit), a rose gold leaf for one year for £180 or a yellow gold leaf for one year for £240.

Leaves can be purchased by visiting www.ardgowanhospice.org.uk/memorytree