A hospital nursery is to double in size and it is anticipated giving staff greater access to childcare facilities at work will aid recruitment.

An extra 60 places will be created at the Worthing Hospital nursery once expansion work is complete.

Worthing and Southlands Hospitals NHS Trust has set aside £140,000 to expand the nursery over the next year.

The aim is to provide extra facilities as an incentive to encourage more workers to stay at the hospital and encourage others to join.

Planned new facilities include a soft room and a messy area for children to play in.

Last month the nursery announced it had been selected to take part in a pilot project to develop the new West Sussex Child Care Partnership quality kitemark scheme.

Trust director of human resources Philippa Spicer said: "We have an excellent nursery here at the hospital and want to make the most of the facility to benefit our staff."