NEXT year marks the tenth anniversary of The Northern Echo's campaign to build a children's hospice in memory of Princess Diana.

The notion of creating the region's first children's hospice touched the hearts of thousands of people. Unprecedented support meant the £500,000 appeal reached its goal in only nine months. Since then, hundreds of families have used the Butterwick. To them it has a value far beyond any monetary figure.

Yet this invaluable regional asset is forced to rely largely on charity to fund its running costs.

More than a third of children's hospices are given no statutory funding. The rest receive an average contribution of 2.7 per cent towards their costs. The shortfall is usually made up through public donations.

Yesterday's announcement of a £27m three-year Government funding package for children's hospices across the country is welcome news.

Unfortunately, it only goes part of the way towards alleviating the hand-to-mouth existence many are forced to endure.

Hospice officials across the country all need the Government to help so they can continue to support those children and families that rely on them 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

More funding could also improve hospices' ability to reach out to many more families, giving them the support they need, whatever their background and wherever they live.

Although it is right to acknowledge the remarkable support of local people and businesses in raising funds, only a significant and sustained increase in statutory funding will help hospices plan long-term, so they can go on meeting the needs of terminally-ill children.