A new purpose-built accommodation centre for parents whose children are receiving long-term hospital treatment is opening in Bristol.

Previously families, who travelled to the city's children's hospital from around the South West, were accommodated in sub-standard housing or slept on spare health service mattresses.

The Ronald McDonald House will offer parents a chance to sleep in en suite accommodation with home comforts provided.

The house, which opens on Friday, was funded by a £675,000 charity grant and will provide 16 en-suite bedrooms for visiting families.

There is a need for parents to be close to their children when they fall ill

Denise Johnson-Carr, house manager

Ian Barrington, manager of the children's hospital, said: "I cannot stress how important this house is to a child's well-being - having their family close to them is so important to a child's recovery."

William Johns, whose daughter Bethany is undergoing treatment at the hospital, said: "Compared to our old accommodation, this will be fantastic."

His wife Sarah, said: "I think it's a great improvement on where we were staying before.

"To be staying somewhere like this will be a great comfort and it's nice to think we'll be the first ones in."

'Long process'

Denise Johnson-Carr, the house manager, said: "There is a need for parents to be close to their children when they fall ill.

"I would describe the new accommodation as a home from home.

"We have 16 bedrooms, all of which are en suite and there are also kitchens, communal lounges and a smoking room.

"It's been a long process, but it's been great watching it all come together."

The £30m children's hospital opened in April 2001.