A NEW charity to improve hospital treatment for up to 6,000 children a year is being launched at a Buckland Monachorum garden party this weekend.

'Plymouth Kidzz' is the brainchild of consultant Dr Alison Carr, a paediatric anaesthetist at Derriford Hospital which serves patients from all over Devon and Cornwall.

Dr Carr and her husband and principal fundraiser James McQueen are opening their country home Uppaton House in Buckland Monachorum to the public on Sunday.

The glittering launch will be opened by local celebrity Master Chef Peter Gorton from the Horn of Plenty Restaurant together with Paul Roberts, editor and publisher of 'Devon Today'.

Judy Spiers, the West Country's national TV and radio star, has agreed to kick off a special auction — supported by Tavistock's Neil Woolcock from Ward and Chowen auctioneers.

'The idea of Plymouth Kidzz is to take the fear out of anaesthetics for children from toddlers to teens, going through the hospital operating theatres,' said Dr Carr.

'The whole experience of being anaesthetised can be very traumatic and children are often anxious about "going off to sleep" for their operation. But there are ways of making it less frightening,' she said.

The charity aims to provide support to improve the anaesthetic service for children in Plymouth NHS Trust. Money raised will be used to buy more specialist equipment that would otherwise be unable to be funded.

'We have just prepared a special video which shows young patients what is going to happen to them during their hospital stay,' said Dr Carr.

The launch is the first fundraising step with tickets £5 and 'kids' free! — reserved by phoning 01822 855511.

'We are planning live music, with both jazz and brass bands. There will be bags of fun and games, cream teas and plenty of activities, especially for youngsters' said Mr McQueen.

'We want people to come along and join in the fun and help kiddies in Derriford Hospital at the same time.'

The garden party runs from 2pm to 5pm. Anyone wishing to donate goods, services or prizes should phone the Carrs at the above number.