The unit will be developed in an existing ward at Addenbrooke's

Building work on the Teenage Cancer Trust unit for Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge will begin in 2008 with it set to open at the end of next year.

The unit, which will cost up to �2m, will combine state-of-the-art care areas with recreational facilities for patients aged between 13 and 22.

The hospital said the unit would be the first of its kind for the region.

It will have computers, games consoles, digitally-controlled lighting, and "cutting-edge design", alongside kitchens for patients to prepare their own food.

Survival rates

The unit will be developed within an existing ward and have a mix of in and outpatient beds and day care facilities.

It will be open for cancer patients from East Anglia and the surrounding areas.

At present there are no specialist facilities for teenagers and young adults with cancer in the region and the Teenage Cancer Trust said the unit is expected to boost survival rates.

Simon Davies, chief executive of the Teenage Cancer Trust, said: "The equivalent of �1 from every adult in East Anglia is all we need to give every teenager cancer patient in the region access to a TCT unit."

Dr Denise Williams, clinical director of Children's Services at Addenbrooke's, added: "It can be very disconcerting if you find yourself on a ward with people who aren't your own age.

"This new unit will help us give young people the support they need to get through their treatment and rebuild their lives."