EXCLUSIVE BY SUZANNE ELSWORTH

STUNNING pop diva Louise stole the hearts of hundreds of Old Hall children last week when she paid them a very special visit.

The 26-year-old singer, who is married to Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp, was invited to officially open a new playground which includes a garden created in memory of a little boy she befriended before he died.

Jordan Stephenson lost his fight against a brain tumour in 1999, but before he died he had become close friends with the star couple. Since Jordan's death they have kept in touch with his family and Louise dedicated her last album, Elbow Beach, to him. She was invited to open the new facility at the brave youngster's former school at the invitation of his family.

The new playground includes separate areas for noisy and quiet play, colourful benches and flowerbeds, and a tree planted in Jordan's memory by his family. Before the official opening, the schoolchildren performed at an emotional assembly which brought tears to the eyes of most of the audience, including Louise. They sang Yellow, by Coldplay, in Jordan's memory, as it was his favourite colour, then, as a thank you to Louise, sang her hit All That Matters which was played at Jordan's funeral.

Louise and Jordan met when a children's charity arranged for them to have lunch together and they soon became great friends.

"He was so lovely we started visiting him at home," said Louise.

"There were so many things that struck you aout him. He had great big eyes and was so sincere and generous, he made you feel how lucky you were.

"He always seemed so up and never moaned."

And Jordan's mum, Teresa, says Jordan was besotted with his new friend.

"He just loved Louise," she said.

"The first time he met her he couldn't believe she was there to see him. He was doing word search puzzles and they sat and did them together.

"He adored her and it is fantastic that she kept in touch with us. She's like a daughter!"

And Louise says Jordan made a difference to her life.

"You do my job for a lot of reasons," she said, "and if you can bring a little happiness, that's just one of them.

"Sometimes you meet people and they have an impact on your life and Jordan made an impact on me."

And she says she was delighted to perform the official ceremony.

"I think Jordan's garden is very important because it tells the children about what can happen and encourages them to talk about it.

"I was really happy to be here. Jordan was my biggest fan and if I can't do this for him, what can I do?"