Everyone who needs Keech Hospice Care is special - but Daphne Bowers and Virginia Ellis are more special than most.

They're the first patients in the new state-of-the-art adult unit, which will be officially opened by aspiring MP Esther Rantzen on Monday (November 9).

Daphne and Virginia are full of praise for facilities at the £2.65 million extension which boasts eight en-suite bedrooms, jacuzzi baths and private patios, in addition to the latest in medical technology and equipment.

Virginia, 74, of Crawley Green Road in Luton, said: "It's absolutely amazing. I am being pampered for the first time in my life."

Adult hospice senior sister Shirley Gadsden said both staff and patients had settled in well: "The new equipment is making our day-to-day care easier and more comfortable for patients and our infection control is at a very high standard."

For more information call 01582 492339 or visit www.keech.org.uk/adult