Kent’s only hospice for children is celebrating 10 years of service to the community .

A special 10th birthday party is due to be held tonight at Priestfield Stadium, Gillingham, where X-Factor finalist Ben Mills is due to perform.

The £75-a-head gala occasion is one of a number of events to mark the key anniversary.

It comes just days after more than 530 visitors popped in at the Demelza in Sittingbourne to join in the celebrations during a special day .

They were given the opportunity to tour the hospice and meet staff and volunteers to celebrate its 10th birthday.

Sue Piper, head of fundraising for Demelza said: “We wanted to share our special birthday celebrations with everybody and thank our hugely loyal supporters while showing them around our wonderful and very special home”.

The special day on Saturday also helped to launch Children’s Hospice Week, which aims to raise awareness of terminally ill children and the support services available for families.

Ms Piper added: “At the heart of Demelza it is still the important community fundraising which keeps us going, and we embrace opportunities to share special days like these”.

A balloon release ended the day’s entertainment as guests were treated to a colourful display to light up the afternoon sky.

Demelza is just on the point of completing its new six-bedded hospice in Eltham. But its still need £15,000 a day to continue their support to children and their families.

Ms Piper added: “At the heart of Demelza it is still the important community fundraising which keeps us going and we embrace opportunities to share special days like these”.

The charity is also urging fundraisers to fill one of its cardboard cut-out clowns with one pound coins. Each clown holds ten pounds. If you would like a clown holder, telephone the fundraising office on 01795 845288.