A BABY hospice in the North-East is to get £600,000 of National Lottery cash to help with its running costs.

Zoe's Place, in Middlesbrough, will use the money to secure new staff and improve care for sick children aged up to five years old.

Baroness Jill Pitkeathley, chairwoman of the National Lottery's New Opportunities Fund, said: "We are delighted to be able to announce this funding which will help provide specialised care for seriously ill babies and young children."