DELIGHTED organisers today thanked Evening News readers after a fund-raising appeal for a new children's hospice in Worcester smashed the £1m barrier.

The Acorns Three Counties Appeal now stands at £1.3m, thanks to the superb efforts of people from across Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire.

The charity launched the appeal last April to raise the £4m needed to build and equip the Bath Road hospice.

"Passing the £1m mark is so exciting and we're delighted with the way the appeal's going," said John Overton, the charity's chief executive.

"To be at this point, just five months after launching the Three Counties Appeal, is a real tribute to the commitment of local people who are as determined as we are to see the new hospice become a reality."

The appeal was boosted last month by £275,099 from company donations, pledges, legacies and community events from across the country.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to all the Acorns supporters who are busy fund-raising across the three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire."

Schools, individuals, groups and clubs have all played a huge part in reaching the first major fund-raising landmark.

"As long as the momentum's maintained, I'm confident we'll be able to start building when we planned in order to open the hospice in 2004," added Mr Overton.

Planning permission has been secured for the hospice, the foundations laid and building work earmarked for next year.

The new hospice will boast 10 bedrooms, a hydrotherapy pool and a multi-sensory room which will use sounds and vibrations to stimulate babies, youngsters and teenagers.

It will offer emergency, respite and terminal care for life-limited youngsters and give bereavement support for parents and siblings.