She has already won the hearts of the nation and now a Norwich art group will use the symbol of love at the centre of its display when the Duchess of Cambridge visits the region.

The duchess will pay a historic visit to East Anglia to show her support for East Anglia's Children's Hospices (Each) later this month.

The grand opening of Each's Treehouse hospice in Ipswich will see the duchess give her first-ever public address.

It comes after she became the Royal Patron of the charity in January.

As part of the visit on March 19, Norwich-based community art and performance group Articus has been asked to do a special performance on the day.

The group, which has a flaming heart for its logo, has decided to have a heart theme to its performance.

It is not the first time Articus has worked with Each. Last year, the group turned the woodland at the Treehouse hospice into a magical enchanted garden with fire breathing dragons and giggling fairies as part of the charity's Twilight Walk.

Helen Robinson, who runs the groups with Wesley Woods, said: 'When we did the Twilight Walk, we were bowled over by the love in that centre. The staff there are amazing and the hearts represent everything that those people are doing; they are so dedicated.'

As part of the project, there will be a multi-interactive performance with stilt walkers, dancers and graffiti artists.

The costumes will be heart-themed and there will be heart-shaped bunting.

Miss Robinson said: 'Our mantra is that love grows communities and we have a flaming heart because we wish to ignite communities through arts and performance.

'It is great that Kate has chosen to support Each and it shows us her heart.'

The new Treehouse hospice in Ipswich has six bedrooms for children and young people and accommodation for families to use for overnight stays. There is a multi-sensory studio, hydrotherapy pool, music room, play areas, sensory garden, a woodland walk and specialist outdoor play equipment.

As part of her tour, the duchess will meet a number of supporters and plant a tree in the grounds.

Do you have a story for the Evening News? Call reporter Kate Scotter on 01603 772326 or email kate.scotter@archant.co.uk.