A FAREHAM charity got the royal seal of approval yesterday when the Earl of Wessex officially opened a respite centre for disabled children and their families.

Prince Edward was given a guided tour of the purpose-built unit at the KIDS centre which will now be able to offer short-term breaks for up to 70 children with a range of disabilities.

Before entering the centre, which now boasts a sensory room, soft toy area and nursery, the Earl was presented with a teddy bear by five-year-old Kieren Woodford, who uses the centre, and a posy of flowers by Becky Hicking-Botham who helps out there.

Becky, 16, who has a neurological disorder, said: "I told him the flowers were for Sophie. He was very nice and I enjoyed meeting him."

After meeting staff and youngsters who use the facility, Prince Edward officially declared the respite centre at Salterns Lane open.

He said: "I would like to congratulate so many people who worked so hard to make this happen.

"Much of the fundraising was done locally, which enabled this dream to become a reality.

"It will make everybody else extremely envious and I am sure centres around the country will be demanding one like this."

The respite centre is the first of its kind for the charity, which has branches nationwide and is a real success story for KIDS. Two years ago the organisationwas struggling to fund summer playschemes. Diane Fenwick, whose son Toby is autistic, said of the centre: "It's a break for us, but it's also a break for him, a chance for him to have a sleepover just like other children of his age. We use the time to take our other son out and for a few hours he has our full attention."

The Countess of Wessex, who is expecting the couple's first child later this year, was due to accompany the Earl but sent her apologies ahead of her absence owing to a busy schedule of engagements.