WIDNES pop superstar Mel C unveiled a new slimline look when she helped start work on a cancer unit at Alder Hey hospital.

But she proved she's still got a big heart when she took time out to speak to youngsters battling cancer at the children's hospital.

The Spice Girl, dressed in denim and sporting a long chestnut hairstyle, was at the Liverpool hospital to turn the first sod on the £10m oncology unit.

Mel, who attended Fairfield High School, said she was honoured to support the centre, which has a special significance because her grandfather was the groundsman at the hospital.

She said: 'Alder Hey is something I've grown up with and I've had friends who've been treated here.

'My grandad also died of cancer, so it is a charity I try to do a lot for.

I've been to the cancer ward before and they do need more space.'

Mel, whose parents still live in Widnes, said she was touched by the courage of some of the children.

She said: 'The kids are amazing. We all have our problems, but when you see them it puts everything into perspective.

'It is an honour to be part of this centre and be able to use my celebrity status to get people give loads of money for the building.'