A North-East hospice has hit its target of raising £5.1m to launch a children's service.

St Oswald's Hospice, in Gosforth, Newcastle, is opening a purpose-built facility that will provide specialist short breaks to children from North Durham, Tyne and Wear and Northumberland with life-limiting conditions, and their families.

It is expected to admit its first families in the next few months.

The hospice's Jigsaw Appeal was launched in 2000, when £2m had already been secured through a two-year private appeal. The building was completed last September.

Campaign director Nikki Wilkinson said: "St Oswald's new children's service has been funded entirely by voluntary donations and stands as a testament to the kindness and generosity of North-East people."

Tracey Forrester, head of children's services, said the hospice was developing a care team, talking to health and care authorities and awaiting registration from the National Care Standards Commission.

The hospice needs to raise £4m a year to meet running costs and hopes that people will continue to support its work.

To support St Oswald's, call the fundraising department on 0870 700 3030.