THE spirit of legendary racehorse Best Mate lives on in a special children's room just opened at St Richard's Hospice in Worcester.

Best Mate's owner Jim Lewis, who is based in Callow End, near Worcester, cut the ribbon for the room, which was funded by the sale of racing memorabilia and donations in memory of the Cheltenham Gold Cup triple champion, who died last year.

Jim, a patron of the hospice, was joined by Hannah and Emily Barnbrook of Powick, near Worcester, for the opening and unveiling of a specially commissioned mural in the room, painted by Worcester artist Jonathon Dukes.

The room will be used by children who have a member of the family being cared for in the in-patient unit and those who are being supported by the hospice's children and family service.

Hannah and Emily, aged 12 and nine, along with their father David, have been involved throughout, making suggestions and comments about the designs for the mural.

Their mother, Lynn Barnbrook, who had motor neurone disease, died in June this year and the family has received support from Sarah Helm, from the hospice children's service.

David Barnbrook praised the support he and his family have received and said: "Sarah has provided caring and sensitive support for my children throughout this extremely difficult time. She is very knowledgeable and experienced in dealing with children who have suffered the loss of a parent and the advice she has offered has been invaluable."

Sarah Helm said: "The room is a place where the children can feel more at ease in an environment created especially for them where we can give them information, reassurance and the opportunity to express their feelings at a difficult and stressful time.

"The mural and its theme of changing times and seasons will help us to talk about death and dying also being a natural event."

Mr Lewis was also delighted with the room. He said: "Best Mate was a true champion who was loved by thousands of fans. There will never be another like him but creating this room is the best way to remember what he did all his life - making a difference to people.

"I'm sure the Best Mate Room will be a valuable addition to the new hospice, and I'm honoured to be able to support St Richard's in this way."