FORMER Wales rugby captain Jonathan Davies is the latest star to pledge support to the Argus-backed Sparkle Appeal by being named a patron of the charity.

Mr Davies, 49, met trustees and ambassadors of the appeal at the city’s Celtic Manor Resort yesterday, where he chatted to youngsters who use the Serennu Children’s Centre at High Cross.

The TV commentator, who has played in both rugby union and rugby league and was awarded a MBE in 1996, said he was looking forward to helping to raise more awareness of the charity.

He said: “I think the appeal is fantastic. It is nice to be able to raise awareness for a charity which helps disabled children and hopefully I can help to make a little bit of a difference.”

Fundraising manager Lisa Thomas said: “We are delighted to have Jonathan Davies as a patron for Sparkle and look forward to him being involved with the appeal.”

Chairwoman of trustees of the Sparkle Appeal Sabine McGuire said she hoped that with Mr Davies on board, they would now be able to promote more sports clubs at the centre for the children.

The Sparkle Appeal has recently been awarded a grant of £26,000 from the Peter Harrison Foundation to appoint a sports co-ordinator, as well as a £7,500 grant from the Millennium Charitable Trust to buy new sports equipment.

People are also being encouraged to support the ‘Sparkle for Sparkle’ day, on December 9.

Businesses, schools and other organisations can all take part by wearing something sparkly for the day in return for a £1 donation.