David Beckham thrills kids with Philippines visit

Retired soccer ace David Beckham brought some cheer to children who survived a typhoon in the Philippines during a morale-boosting visit to the country on Thursday (13Feb14).

The British sports icon is a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and he was moved by the plight of families made homeless when Typhoon Haiyan hit the region in November (13).

On Thursday, he flew into Tacloban, the country's worst affected city, to view the organisation's aid efforts, and he also thrilled kids by visiting a child-friendly space at a major evacuation point in the city.

Beckham was pictured wearing a UNICEF T-shirt and reading a story to younger children during his visit.

He says, "I was humbled to visit Tacloban and see how people are still so full of spirit despite the devastation they have suffered. Close to six million children are affected and many have lost loved ones.

"As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, seeing how children are being given a sense of normality amidst the rubble of their communities has been amazing. I want to show people around the world how their generous donations have had an enormous impact on children and their families and how thankful people here are for their kindness."