A NEW children's hospice - the second of its kind in the south west - has been officially opened by HRH The Countess of Wessex. The royal opening

A NEW children's hospice - the second of its kind in the south west - has been officially opened by HRH The Countess of Wessex.The royal opening of Charlton Farm at Wraxall, yesterday (Tuesday) was carried out by Sophie Wessex and watched by crowds of supporters of the hospice.The royal visitor, who arrived by helicopter, was given a guided tour of the hospice and spoke to a number of the families which use the services provided by Children's Hospice South West (CHSW).She was presented with a Tussie-Mussie posy by little Georgia Hazelton from Portishead and also given a small gift by Ryan Bickham before signing the visitors book.She also spoke to many of the supporters of the charity who have helped raise the £12 million needed to build and equip the hospice.The afternoon reached an exciting climax with the unveiling of a stained glass window which is positioned in the family entrance at Charlton Farm.The window is entitled 'The Journey' as a fitting tribute to all the families which follow the same journey with the support of CHSW.Co-founder and chief executive of Children's Hospice South West, Eddie Farwell, said: "We feel very honoured that the Countess of Wessex visited Charlton Farm."The opening of Charlton Farm marks a very special occasion for the charity and all of our supporters, many of which we were happy to have been able to invite to share such a special day with us."The first families arrived at the hospice, which cost £12 million and was funded entirely by donations and fundraising, on April 30.Charlton Farm is the charity's second hospice with the first hospice, Little Bridge House, in Devon set up 11 years ago.