A respite home for severely disabled children will officially open its doors tomorrow.

Viking House in Saxon Way, Headington, Oxford, offers day and overnight care to youngsters with specialist medical needs, so their parents can have a well-earned break.

The centre is part of a £25m investment in children's respite services.

Sycamore House in Banbury, Summerfield House in Abingdon and Viking House have all been refurbished in partnership with the charity Barnardo's, ensuring that they can offer families state-of-the-art care and support.

Funding for the project included £15m from the county council and £6m from Oxfordshire Primary Care Trust.

The investment will secure the future of the service, used by 100 five to 17-year-olds with learning and physical disabilities, for 10 years.

Gail Hanrahan a member of Force - Friends of Resource Centres, depended on respite for her son Guy, who is now 17 and in residential education, so she could enjoy time with her daughters.

Mrs Hanrahan, of High Street, Chalgrove, said: "Families using these services are coping with extraordinary circumstances and it shouldn't be something they have to do on their own.

"Respite was a lifeline for us and helped us keep Guy at home until he was 16. Respite keeps families together and allows them the chance to recharge their batteries and do things with their other children that others take for granted."

Jacqueline Woodward, of Barnardo's, said: "Part of the developments over the last few years has included making sure the centres provide qualified nursing staff so they can take children with greater medical needs."