A charity that cares for terminally ill patients has been gifted the land that their hospice sits on.

Northfleet based ellenor was given the land, in Coldharbour Road, by the Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust, which first offered the hospice the land in 1991 at a peppercorn rent.

The initial support allowed the charity to be built and open its doors to patients and their families.

Interim Chief Executive at ellenor Vikki Harding said: "Colyer-Fergusson have always been there, a quiet, valued supporter in the background, so when we heard that as part of their 50th Anniversary celebrations they wanted to sign the land over to ellenor we were surprised and delighted. What a wonderful gift.

"The demand for our hospice care is growing. Our population is increasing and people are living longer, often with complex or multiple needs.

"To meet the growing demand we need to look to expand our services and build for the future. With the land being gifted to us it will enable us to grow and develop the site in confidence, knowing we are rooted, secure in our foundations here in Northfleet.

"It has been a wonderful partnership over the years and we have been so grateful for all the support they have given."

Trustee of the Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust, Nicholas Fisher, said: "We’re so pleased to be able to offer the land to ellenor Hospice.

"It’s a charity very close to our heart, carrying out the most extraordinary work for patients and their families.

"We enjoyed the celebratory event which commemorated ellenor starting a new chapter in its history."

A commemorative plaque will be unveiled in the ground at midday on Thursday.