It began as little more than a pipedream with an eight-figure fundraising goal standing in its way.

But now, after a Herculean effort from an "army of volunteers" - a much-needed facility is finally up and running.

This week, the first patients were welcomed into the new £12.5m Priscilla Bacon Lodge.

The hospice, built near the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, is the end product of more than four years of relentless fundraising and generosity.

Eastern Daily Press:

The lodge replaces the charity's former home in Unthank Road and offers a variety of services for people in the very last days of their lives.

It includes inpatient beds, a day unit and a wellbeing centre, all geared at providing palliative care and support for families during the most difficult of times.

Robert Carter, chairman of trustees for the Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity, said: "We are thrilled that the new lodge is welcoming its first patients.

"Opening this new, much-needed facility is the culmination of a four-and-a-half year fundraising campaign and it would not have been possible without the incredible generosity of so many individuals and organisations.

"We offer our sincere gratitude to every donor and supporter who has helped to provide Norfolk with the end-of-life care it deserves."

The new site in Colney is spread across an eight-acre site, allowing a wellbeing garden to also be included with rooms equipped with wide enough doors to take beds outside when weather permits.

Fearn Ainsworth, commercial director for the charity, added: "The Priscilla Bacon Hospice Charity will continue to fundraise to deliver a comprehensive bereavement service which is the cornerstone of the holistic care provided by the hospice.

"It will also fund enhanced catering and the upkeep and augmentation of the beautiful garden.

"In future we hope to be able to support additional services such as art and music therapy, specialist equipment, patient and family transport."