DOWNTON Abbey star Laura Carmichael was in Bromley last week to announce her role as patron for West Wickham based charity Haiti Hospital Appeal (HHA).

Miss Carmichael, who plays Lady Edith in the hit ITV drama, made the declaration at a fundraising dinner for the charity - which aims to provide healthcare and support for some of the world's poorest people - at The Warren, Hayes.

Having played in scenes where her on-screen sister, Lady Sybil, dies during childbirth, she said the charity’s maternity work was particularly close to her heart.

In Haiti, 74 per cent of births take place at home, with women in Haiti having a one in 37 chance of dying during birth.

One year ago HHA opened one of the main maternity facilities in Northern Haiti with 22 beds, which supported over 2,500 women in its first year, saving many lives through the provision of quality care.

Miss Carmichael said: "I'm thrilled to support HHA because their work is so inspiring.

"They put their money into the hands of people who need it the most and are doing fantastic work building a hospital and children's homes that will last for generations.

"HHA is a small charity that is doing vital work and I am so proud to support them."

Donations to the work of HHA can be made at haitihospitalappeal.org.