PLANS for the North-East to become the home of the country's second specialist baby hospice have taken a step forward.

The hospice, called Zoe's Place because Zoe means life in Greek, will be modelled on a pioneering venture of the same name in Liverpool, run by the charity, Life.

The charity has now been granted planning permission by Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council for the hospice in a former convent on Normanby High Street, Teesside.

Margaret Barron, Life's caring officer for the North-East, said the next stage was to discuss the venture with various health bodies throughout the region.

She added a development officer has been employed who will take on the management of the hospice at the end of the month.

Zoe's Place will have six beds and provide a home-from-home for babies and children up to the age of four, who need respite and terminal care, as well as helping youngsters with multiple handicaps.

The hospice will cost £350,000 a year to run and donations are being sought from companies wanting to sponsor cots or equipment.