North Devon District Hospital's new £1m children's unit opens

The new unit will house a special care baby unit and an in-patient ward for children

A new £1m children's unit at a Devon hospital has opened.

The facility at North Devon District Hospital is expected to be used by almost 3,000 children every year, hospital officials said.

It includes a high dependency unit, overnight family rooms and doctor training facilities.

The special care baby unit was opened on Tuesday, and the Caroline Thorpe ward for in-patients was opened on Wednesday.

Previously, both units were housed in different parts of the hospital.

Toby Cooper, head of midwifery and children's nursing services, said: "I'm so excited, the staff are just desperate to get in and we can't wait to be part of this big team which will allow us to share our skills."