A warm welcome greeted patients arriving at East Devon’s new £1.2million Hospiscare Kings House Day Hospice in Honiton, after it opened last week.

Hospiscare staff and volunteers welcomed patients with hugs and big smiles, and showed them around the centre before enjoying a hot lunch.

Roy Sims, 50, from Seaton, said: “This new day hospice has got everything you could wish for and more.

“Everything has been done thoughtfully and is top quality. It’s superb and is an absolute credit to Hospiscare and a brilliant resource for the community.”

On Saturday, March 14, and Friday, March 27, Hospiscare will be hosting public tours of the day hospice, which has been partially funded by huge community support from people across East Devon.

The day hospice will be open from 10am to 3pm.

Katie Chantler, Hospiscare’s head of fundraising, said: “We’d love to show visitors around so they can see how their support will make a huge difference to people with life-limiting illnesses. It is an amazing building.

“We are so excited as it means we can offer even more help to local people.

“We are so grateful to all the wonderful fundraisers who have already raised £275,000 towards our appeal - £25,000 over our target.”

The heart of the centre is a large, multi-purpose, comfortable and flexible lounge with stylish homely soft furnishings.

There is also a quiet room, an education room, a consultation and therapy treatment room and much more, including educational facilities for the training of healthcare professionals and students.

Patients will have access to palliative care specialists for support, advice or treatment.