TELEVISION prankster Jeremy Beadle came to Bolton to consider giving charity backing to a new hospital wing for the parents of premature babies.

The former You've Been Framed star visited staff and parents at the neo-natal unit where hospital chiefs hope to build accommodation so parents can stay while their babies are being treated.

The Children's Hospital Appeal Trust has joined forces with London-based charity the Phillip Green Memorial Trust to consider funding the £120,000 suite at the Royal Bolton Hospital which would also provide a bereavement suite for grieving parents.

Hospital designers showed charity patron Jeremy Beadle and chairman Cyril Paskin plans for the extension and they are now set to decide whether to give the hospital the funds to build it.

The wing would provide two en-suite family rooms, kitchen facilities and a play area for children.

Hugh McCaw, director of the Children's Hospital Appeal Trust, said: "There are currently two very small bedrooms on site which provide somewhere for mothers to stay. The hospital would like to convert this to provide a relaxing family haven where children can play.

"It is such a vital time for the babies and this would be a welcome facility. The parents would have privacy to stay with their newborn baby, who is often very poorly."

Jeremy Beadle, who claims to be a huge Bolton Wanderers fan and even has a pair of football boots signed by Nat Lofthouse, has been involved with the charity for around 10 years.

The charity provides funds to boost children's facilities in hospitals around the country and recently funding one of the few child-dedicated hospices in the country.

Jeremy said: "It is a tremendous charity and Mr Paskin works very hard to get things done. He is an extraordinary man who has given hope to so many children and I am glad to give him my backing."