A tv star left a smile on the faces of patients after a special visit to a hospice in Dorchester.

Actress Pauline Quirke visited the Inpatient Unit at Joseph Weld Hospice, Weldmar Hospicecare’s 14-bed inpatient unit and the base the charity’s Central Clinical Team.

Patients at the hospice were delighted to be given the chance to meet the Birds of a Feather, Broadchurch and Maisie Raine star.

Matt Smith, one of the directors of Weldmar Hospicecare, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be treated to a special visit from Pauline and her husband Steve. They very kindly took time out of their busy schedules to help make a difference to other people.

“They were both incredibly friendly to all of our patients, their relatives and our staff and applauded the work of Weldmar Hospicecare for the individual vital care that is given to so many patients each year.”

Mr Smith added: “The most important part of the visit, was that Pauline put a smile on our patient’s faces, and to us, that is what it is all about.”

The actress took the time to speak with patients and their families about their experiences of Weldmar Hospicecare as well as kindly posing for photographs which patients got framed.

She was then taken on a tour of the inpatient unit and was able to gain a further understanding of the work the charity does and the complexities of the illnesses facing patients.

At the end of the tour the actress met staff from around the hospice who spoke about the services they help to provide.

She is said to have fallen in love with the Jurassic Coast after starring the hit ITV drama Broadchurch which was filmed in West Bay.

Pauline Quirke played the ‘shifty character’ Susan Wright who became embroiled in the show’s mysterious plot.

In March, the Echo reported how she would be selling her sea-view penthouse in West Bay.

She bought the property worth £695,000 after starring in the second series of the drama series.

It has a wraparound balcony offering great views of the Jurassic Coast and was used as a police station in the popular TV show.

n Weldmar provides end of life care for people living in Dorset who need specialist support including those with cancer and other progressive conditions. All the care is free and relies on public donations.