A new charity flat for Channel Islanders is due to open near Southampton General Hospital.

The Priaulx Premature Baby Foundation (PPBF) will open the new flat on Coxford Road today.

The Guernsey charity has run two private flats in Southampton for islanders to use if a baby or child becomes critically ill and they must travel to the city for care.

The PPBF’s third flat – named Frankie’s Den – was donated by a Guernsey couple following a renovation and will offer another safe, comfortable and well-equipped space for families going through hard times away from home.

The charity was founded in 2003 by triple World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx MBE and his wife, Jo, following the premature births of their two children.

The couple lived in Northampton at the time and the long drive to the nearest hospital inspired them to fundraise for their local hospital after moving back to the Channel Islands.

Jo said: "Southampton has natural connections with Guernsey in lots of ways. Although the flight between the two usually takes around 35 minutes, it can feel so much longer when you are rushing with your child, full of anxiety about what will happen next.

“When the unexpected happens, we can offer a ‘home-from-home’ and this expansion will make it easier for more families to move between the hospital and their little ‘piece’ of home.”