The mum who helped inspire a new home to help the families of injured servicemen has said "it's a dream come true."

Sue Norton whose husband, Captain Peter Norton, was severely hurt following a bomb blast in Iraq had campaigned for better support for injured servicemens' families.

Her campaign inspired the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) to open a six-bedroom home in Ashtead near the Defence Medical Rehabilitation Centre at Headley Court.

The support home, opened yesterday, is named SSAFA Norton House in honour of Sue and her husband.

The charity says Norton House will provide families of badly injured servicemen and women with a home away from home'.

Captain Norton lost a leg and part of his arm while serving in Iraq.

Despite his terrible injuries the bomb disposal officer managed to continue to direct his team before receiving first aid - leading them to discover and disarm a bomb and saving seven lives.

He received the George Cross, the highest award for bravery when the enemy is not present, last March.

Mrs Norton explained because there was nowhere for her and her two young sons to stay when she visited her husband and she would have drive them to and from their Gloucester home to visit their dad or leave them with grandparents.

Mrs Norton, who has now split from her husband, explained she felt there had been little support for the families of injured servicemen and the new home was a step in the right direction.

"Of course it's right the injured servicemen is the focus of support, but it's also a traumatic and difficult time for the family. It's bad enough if it's just one person dealing with it, but when you also have young children it's terribly difficult," she said.

She added: "SSAFA were fantastically supportive. It's great that after first writing a letter two years ago this house, with its support, is now available.

"It's a dream come true."

She also said she thought more needed to be done to support the families of injured servicemen.

The £1.7m house in Grays Lane had been opposed by local residents before it was granted permission on August 1.

Their main complaint was that increased noise and traffic would "ruin the special character and appeal" of the private lane.

Other criticisms were that the families "would not be welcome" and that their arrival could destroy the "unique charm" of multi-million pound properties.

SSAFA chief executive, Major General Andrew Cumming said: "It is incredibly important that we support the families of injured servicemen and women while they face what will probably be, the most difficult time in their lives.

"We are delighted that SSAFA Norton House will now be able to provide them with the practical help and emotional support that they deserve."