THREE young ladies were treated like Hollywood actresses for a day as they prepared for a big step in their lives.

Beatrice Carr, 16, from Oxford, Charlotte Walter, 17, of Northampton, and Helen Oakley, 16, of Milton Keynes, are all regulars at Helen House hospice, in East Oxford.

But in the next few years they will hit 18 and their care will move to linked hospice Douglas House next door.

As part of the hospices’ transition programme, the trio were treated to a transition pamper day, where the teenagers got hair, make-up and nails done.

Douglas House transition co-ordinator Adele Chapman said: “They will visit two or three times over the next two years.

“I think they see differences. They are approached and treated like adults over at Douglas House and it is a lot more grown-up in terms of atmosphere and environment.”

As well as ensuite bedrooms and a bar, the youngsters can have a say in their treatment and medication, when previously their parents would have made decisions.

Joanna Carr said daughter Beatrice had a subtle makeover and henna tattoos on her hand and ankle.

She said: “I think it was a very generous day and an excellent idea.

“As far as the transition is concerned, I’m looking forward to it and so is Beatrice.

“There comes a time in life when you have to move on and the facilities Douglas House has to offer will be much more appropriate very soon.

“She’s looking forward to moving over and the way they manage things is very gently and very smoothly.”

Beauty therapist Lisa Scott applied make up to the girls and said they were all fantastic models and looked glamorous when they left.

She volunteered her help to repay the hospice for caring for her sister Emmie Lee, who has Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2), a genetic disorder where tumours form on the nerves of the brain and spine, that has left her deaf and unable to walk.

She said: “I said to Douglas House if there is ever anything I could do to try and repay the care they give to my sister to let me know.

“They got in touch and said they were having a pamper day and could I help, and I said yes.

“It was a really fantastic day. I did their make-up and the girls were such sweethearts. They had their hair and nails done as well and afterwards I would describe them as glamorous.”

Hairdresser Ellie Appleton, 22, who lives in Didcot and works for Philosophy in Abingdon, cut and styled each of the girls’ hair. She said: “I did it because it was something nice to do and gave the girls a nice day.”