Niall Horan made a surprise visit to a bowling alley to meet children who have been affected by cancer.

The One Direction heartthrob spent time playing with the youngsters, after helping to raise more than half a million pounds for children dealing with the disease.

He and golf pro Justin Rose made more than £560,000 for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens through the Horan & Rose charity events, which included a gala dinner and the BMW PGA Pro-Am, which the singer took part in.

Niall Horan playing golf
Niall Horan (Adam Davy/PA)

Niall said: “I’m so glad we’ve been able to raise so much money for Cancer Research UK Kids & Teens.

“Cancer is the biggest killer of children, teens and young adults in the UK which is why it’s so important to raise money to find cures and kinder treatments for the disease.”

Niall, 22, said talking to the children at the bowling alley was “really inspiring”.

He said: “Meeting the kids and their families was amazing, they had been through so much, but they were all so strong and positive.”

Fermisk Mustafa, whose three-year-old son Karos was diagnosed with stage four Wilms’ tumour in July 2015, said: “Niall was absolutely amazing with the children and so caring with Karos.

“He had so much fun bowling and at the end Niall gave him a high five, which Karos loved.”

Niall Horan met children affected by cancer
Niall Horan (Simon Way/Cancer Research UK/PA)

Luna Caden, eight, who fought cancer as a toddler, said: “It was great fun and such a surprise when Niall arrived.

“I thought he was a really nice person, he asked me about my family and I think it’s great that someone so busy being famous has time to come and meet us and is helping to raise money so other kids don’t have to go through the same thing. He was pretty good at table football too!”

She added: “He asked me what music I liked… I hope he didn’t mind I only mentioned Katy Perry and Justin Bieber!!”

The money raised will go towards finding cures and kinder treatments for children, teenagers and young adults with cancer.