HEAVY rain did little to dampen spirits as a newly refurbished inpatient unit was opened at a Hampshire hospice.

More than 70 people braved the downpours to witness Lady Penny Brabourne cut the ribbon to open the unit at Countess Mountbatten House in West End.

Guests included Saints legend Lawrie McMenemy, Eastleigh MP Mike Thornton, and John Trewby, chairman of University Hospital Southampton.

The renovated unit, which was refurbished using a government grant, includes an improved day room, a new room for patients with motor neurone disease, and a nurses’ hub close to a room for patients at risk of falls.

Pam Bates, fundraising manager at Countess Mountbatten House, said: “It went splendidly well and it was a really good afternoon. Refurbishing the unit was very important.”