A CHILDREN'S hospice has been chosen as the charity of choice by one of the region's biggest social housing providers.

A ballot at housing group Thirteen has selected Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough as the organisation’s corporate charity for 2019.

Heather Ashton, executive director of resources at Thirteen, said: “Zoë’s Place Baby Hospice is such an important facility, providing specialist care to babies and their families in our communities.

“At Thirteen we do a lot of fundraising throughout the year, from sponsored walks to bake sales and dress-down days. Choosing one charity to benefit from all we do seemed like a fantastic way to make a big impact, and have a positive effect on a local cause.”

Zoë’s Place provides palliative, respite and end-of-life care to babies and infants.

Victoria Rogers, fundraiser at Zoë’s Place, said: “This fantastic news that Thirteen has chosen us as its 2019 charity could not have come at a better time.

“We have done some fundraising at Thirteen’s office and everyone is so lovely, kind and generous they are an amazing bunch of people.”