Three life-limited youngsters have opened a new play area that they helped to design at an Essex children's hospice this week.

Laurel Parker, 13, from Rayleigh, Archie Turner, 7, from Southminster and Ellie Darby-Prangnell, 8, from Harlow, opened the Little Havens Hospice Wet Play Area on Wednesday. All three visit the hospice regularly for respite breaks.

The existing Wet Play Area has been renovated to create more space, light and storage and will now be used for messy play, arts and crafts, and as a teaching area for children and siblings.

The building work took 12 weeks, costing nearly £37,000 which was donated by various trusts, charities and private donations.

Karen Budge, the teacher at Little Havens, said: "Our existing Wet Play Area was fairly small and as our children grew older and got bigger, it was becoming increasingly difficult to accommodate their wheelchairs.

"This renovation means more of our children can enjoy group craft or teaching sessions, using natural light and looking out onto our wonderful landscaped gardens."

"Our children benefit hugely from expressing themselves through artistic play. If they are unable to communicate their feelings verbally, they may be able to do so through a craft activity. It also creates a priceless memory for the child's family."

Ellie was born with spinal muscular atrophy which is a type of muscle wasting condition that affects certain nerves in the spine.

She said: "I like making different things at Little Havens using different types of materials, mostly cards and paintings.

"The old Wet Play Area was a bit cramped and I couldn't get my wheelchair under the small table. Now it's a lot easier to move around."

Laurel has a rare genetic condition and has been visiting Little Havens for three years. She said: "My sister Charlotte and I paint a lot and enjoy doing clay crafts which can be messy. I helped to design the new Wet Play Area and suggested the colour scheme and that there should be lots of light.

"It has reached all our expectations. I'm so pleased there is lots of room for wheelchair access because we can be in there with lots of friends."

Little Havens is part of Havens Hospices, which also incorporates Fair Havens adult Hospice. It provides respite breaks, symptom control and end-of-life care for youngsters living with serious conditions and who are not expected to reach adulthood from across Essex and parts of London. It aims to make their journey - and that of the family - as comfortable as possible, creating special memories along the way. It costs £2.3 million each year to keep the hospice open.

To find out more about Little Havens Children's Hospice call 01702 220350 or visit www.littlehavens.org.uk.