Pop star Peter Andre has thrown his backing behind a weekly newspaper’s Christmas toy appeal.

He is supporting the Kentish Times’ fourth festive appeal for readers to give toys and gifts to sick children in hospital.

And the singer has also donated a signed guitar for the appeal which will be auctioned by the paper to raise money for more toys.

The campaign has also won the backing of Strictly Come Dancing judge Len Goodman, who will try to get contributions from his fellow judges and celebrity contestants.

Peter Andre has two children with ex-wife Katie Price and also helped look after her son Harvey who has serious disabilities.

He said: “This is a fantastic idea and it’s great for children to get these toys while they are in hospital over Christmas. I fully support it and everyone should get behind it.

“With Harvey there’s been times at Christmas when he has been in hospital and I know how hard it is.”

Over the past three years, readers have donated thousands of gifts for sick children in three local hospitals.