Cutting-edge technology for disabled children has been unveiled at Demelza Hospice Care for Children in Bobbing.

Eyegaze has been installed there, meaning all youngsters there now have access to computers, no matter what their illness or disability, as it works by tracking the movement of the user’s eye.

The project also includes touchscreens, the latest gaming consoles and specially adapted iPads.

The work was carried out by the charity Lifelites which provides specialist technology for all 49 children’s hospices in the British Isles.

The equipment and support will cost around £35,700 over the next four years, but the hospice will not have to pay a penny towards it thanks to Lifelites being supported by Thomas Cook Children’s Charity and others.

Liz Haigh-Reeve, Demelza’s director of income generation, said: “This technology not only enables the children to enjoy the games and entertainment systems but also to communicate with friends and family and even other children who face similar challenges.

"When so much in their lives is different to their peers, technology empowers them to do the things all children and young people enjoy.

“The portable aspect of the iPads means that DVDs and games can be brought to a child if they are too unwell to leave their room.”

Simone Enefer-Doy, chief executive of Lifelites, said: “This is a path-breaking project and contains some of our most revolutionary technology to date.

“But it’s more than just futuristic gadgets. This equipment will mean children at Demelza now have more opportunities to communicate, create and take control.

"That is why we’re determined to continue putting revolutionary technology like the Eyegaze in every hospice in the British Isles.”

Joanna Wild, chairman of the Thomas Cook Children’s Charity, said: “This has given children a wonderful opportunity to explore the world from within a hospice.”