A TEESSIDE youngster who has spent much of her life in hospital was guest of honour at the opening of the young people's unit at The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough.

The unit, which looks after 11 to 16-year-olds, is part of the children's ward and aims to give youngsters their very own facilities. Young patients were consulted at every stage of its design and Middlesbrough Youth Parliament also got involved.

The area, officially opened on Wednesday, has a chill-out room with all the latest gadgetry and has separate areas for boys and girls.

Laura Appleby, 16, a pupil at the Sacred Heart School in Redcar, said: "I was really pleased and flattered when I was asked to open the unit.

"All the nurses, doctors and other staff are like family to me. If I didn't know half those people I wouldn't be the person I am today because they're all so nice."

Her proud mother Sue said: "She just gets on with her illness and despite having to take time off school is doing really well. She was recently given a child of courage award there."

Educational support nurse Mel Gannon said: "Laura's been in and out of hospital for most of her life but started to come in regularly when she was about six or seven. She now visits us every three months so it has got to be like a second home to her.

"Laura was the obvious choice for the opening and of course helped put her own personal stamp on the unit by being involved with it from the very beginning."

Children's services all came together under the same roof at the hospital last August, and include children's wards, paediatric intensive care, outpatients and the day unit.

Staff organised a large display in the atrium throughout the day so people could see the type of services on offer and ask any questions.