KENT'S Demelza House children's hospice is merging with CHILD, a children's hospice charity in south east London.

But Demelza House bosses say money raised for Demelza will still go to the hospice at Bobbing, near Sittingbourne.

CHILD is working towards building a children's hospice in Catford or Lewisham and Demelza is providing support to speed up the project.

Demelza's chief executive Ted Gladdish said staff would be giving advice and sharing their experience with CHILD.

He stressed; "This is an extremely positive thing for Demelza House. Demelza is the stronger partner. Money raised for Demelza will be spent on Demelza and money raised for CHILD will be spent by CHILD.

"There will be no financial difference. We are helping a smaller charity build their hospice."