A young ambassador for a charity that supports bereaved children has appeared on BBC One's The One Show ahead of a Children in Need challenge.

The Hitchin-based charity Stand-by-me Bereavement Support is aided by BBC Children in Need and helps young people in North Herts and Stevenage who have lost a loved one.

James, 14, was just nine years old when his dad, Paul, died following complications in heart surgery.

Stand-by-me Bereavement Support's Helen Watson explained: "For James, dealing with his father’s death was extremely difficult. He found it hard to accept what had happened and suffered from separation anxiety when he was away from his mum, Claire.

"Stand-by-me helps young people to understand their grief, learn ways to manage emotions and build networks of support through their groupwork programme."

James is one of four young people joining the Challenge Squad on The One Show, championed by celebrities Jermaine Jenas, Alex Jones, Roman Kemp and Vernon Kay.

Over the coming weeks, the youngsters will find out what personal challenge they have been set by their celebrity ambassador, to help make a difference to young lives. Some of the challenges will take place live on the BBC Children in Need Appeal show on November 17.

From now until then, you can watch The One Show week nights at 7pm on BBC One to see how the challenges unfold, while learning the young people’s inspiring stories.

James: "I am proud to be an ambassador for Stand-by-me and I want to show other young people experiencing loss that getting help can make a big difference.

"I’m excited to be taking part in this challenge and raising money for such a good cause."

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The One Show’s Alex Jones, who will be championing the squad and mentoring one of the young people ahead of their challenge, said: "We are over the moon to be able to bring the audience along on this journey with us and to showcase the determination of the Challenge Squad as they each complete a challenge very close to their heart."