Eleven-year-old Grace Jones – figurehead of the charity – and her mum Debra attended The Bridges shopping centre's Tea at Three event, which raised funds for the charity.

Starbucks coffee shop offered free limited edition Christmas drinks in return for a donation to the Grace House Appeal, which will build a children's hospice in Southwick.

Appeal spokesman Brian Bell said: "There are around 1,000 children in this area who are not expected to reach adulthood and would benefit from the services of the hospice – that's why fund-raising is so important."

The Bridges has been raising cash for the Grace House Appeal, including £1,125 from the Bring a Pound to Work Day in June, when the charity partnership was announced.

Sarah King, marketing manager at the Bridges, said: "We are really keen to help Grace House reach its goals to build a new hospice."

The Tea at Three event also kicked off The Bridges' festive season and the start of its late night shopping programme.

The centre will be open from 9am to 8pm every Thursday until December 14, after which late night opening will run every weeknight until Christmas.

For more information about the Grace House Appeal, call 516 6302 or visit www.gracehouse.co.uk.