BUILDING work is due to start next month on a new specialist playroom at Demelza House children's hospice at Bobbing, near Sittingbourne.

Kent-based estate agents Ward & Partners has pledged £210,000 to build the soft play area which is specially designed to improve the quality of life for children there with life-limiting illnesses.

The room will double the size of the existing playroom at the hospice. Tt will be padded and adapted to cater for a variety of conditions and the building is scheduled to open in September.

Externally it is designed to be in keeping with the Kentish farmhouse style of the rest of the hospice.

The benefits of the new room extend beyond its recreational and therapeutic use by young children because the move will also allow conversion of the loft area above the playroom, currently empty and inaccessible, into an area for adolescents.

Their new space above the playroom means they will have more space and freedom in which to enjoy age-appropriate activities such as music-making and discos.

David Lench, managing director for the estate agents, said: "Demelza House is so much part of the landscape of Kent that it is hard to realise it was only opened in 1998. However, the hospice continues to rely entirely on voluntary contributions to keep going, needing to raise £2 million a year.

"It provides a vitally needed home from home for children, unlikely to reach adulthood - and for their families, many of whom stay in touch with the hospice for years after a child's demise."

Ted Gladdish, hospice chief executive, said: "We are thrilled that Ward & Partners have chosen to help us. This donation will make a real impact on the quality of children's lives, giving them even more opportunities for fun and freedom.

"Without the generosity of companies like Wards, we wouldn't be able to provide such a vital service for more than 300 children throughout the south east with life-limiting conditions. It will add life to days when days cannot be added to life."