TV presenter Richard Hammond, who suffered brain injuries during a Top Gear stunt, has opened a new rehabilitation centre for children with similar injuries.

The broadcaster, who was hurt during an accident while filming for the BBC2 show in 2006, spent the morning meeting children, parents and staff at The Children's Trust in Tadworth, Surrey.

The £7 million venture, funded entirely by voluntary donations, will enable The Children's Trust to help youngsters rebuild their lives following brain injuries caused by an accident or illness.

Hammond said: "I know only too well the challenges people face following a severe brain injury, but for a child there are extra dimensions because their brains are still developing."

Hammond, nicknamed the Hamster by Top Gear colleagues James May and Jeremy Clarkson, was filming at Elvington airfield, near York, when his jet-powered Vampire dragster blew a tyre, veered off the runway, flipped over several times and crashed on to grass.

He was airlifted to Leeds General Infirmary where he stayed for five weeks and was treated for swelling to the brain and bruising.

The daredevil presenter said he "suffered mortally with depression" and lost all his coping mechanisms after his 298mph crash.

After visiting the new residential centre, he added: "This amazing new building will help The Children's Trust's specially trained staff give these children the best chance of rebuilding their lives."