STAR actress Anita Dobson has enlisted the help of her fans to support Windsor's Thames Hospice.

Miss Dobson - who became famous as the original star of the legendary EastEnders series - is one of the hospice's most high profile supporters and a regular visitor to its charity shops.

She said: "Fans were always sending me little gifts and presents so I decided it would be better to set up a fund they could contribute to that would go to help good causes."

Her fans took the hint and on Tuesday Miss Dobson visited the hospice in Hatch Lane to hand over a cheque for £3,000 from the fund.

But that was not all.

This is Hospice Care Week and Friday marks its climax with Go Yellow Day - when people across the country are invited to wear yellow for the day to raise money for their nearest hospices.

Miss Dobson also brought a selection of clothes to Windsor's hospice with her. Some were perfect for Go Yellow Day but there were plenty of brightly coloured garments and that will go well on any day.

Thames Hospice's head of marketing Stephanie Peters said: "They were perfect for our vintage and retro shop in Peascod Street. We have 19 fund raising shops now and Anita is a regular visitor and supporter.

"She has made such a difference to us, raising awareness of the work we do. She is an ambassador for the hospice."

Miss Dobson is about to begin a national tour starring as Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie.