THE creator of Glastonbury Festival has become a patron of a well-loved charity.

Michael Eavis is helping to raise awareness of the care provided by St Margaret's Hospice as the latest figure to lend his support to the charity.

Mr Eavis praised the “marvellous job” done by more than 350 staff and 1,200 volunteers at St. Margaret’s Hospice, thanking them for the work they do.

He added: “I have a son who is a GP and he said to me that the work of the hospices was quite amazing. He knows about caring for patients who are ill, so I thought this is something that’s really worth supporting.”

Clare Gallie, director of fundraising, marketing and communications at St. Margaret’s Hospice, said: “Glastonbury Festival makes an enormous contribution to Somerset, culturally and economically, so we are delighted to have the support of Michael Eavis as a patron to help raise awareness of the role St. Margaret’s Hospice plays in making each day count for families across the county who are affected by a life-limiting illness.”

Mr Eavis added: “I was born in Somerset and fortunately my festival turned out to be very successful – I don’t quite know why,” said Mr Eavis. “We push the boat out on the show and try to make it better every year. Now 48 years later, we have three million people signed up who want to come, which is incredible."