SHE spends her working life making sick children smile.

Now a Hampshire charity worker’s achievements have been officially recognised with a place on a national “happy list”.

Claire Floyd, a member of the play team at Naomi House children’s hospice near Winchester, is on the Independent on Sunday’s happy list, a top 100 listing of people most deserving of recognition for making the country a more caring, happy place.

The mother-of-four, from Southampton, was described as an innovator for her work to develop a computer mouse with an extendable arm and giant button.

This allows disabled children and young people to operate a PC from their wheelchair or bed.

She first came up with the idea while working at the charity, which helps life-limited children and their families. From this national charity Lifelites helped develop Claire’s idea into a real item.

“It is fantastic to have been recognised by The Independent,” said Claire, a Saints fan from Sholing.

“When I created the arm, I just wanted to make life a little easier and more enjoyable for the youngsters we care for. I had no idea it would prove so popular and I certainly didn’t expect it to be so high profile.”

Claire is part of a team of four Play Workers at Naomi House and jacksplace hospices, who ensure that the children and young people staying at the hospice are entertained with games and activities, including youngsters with limited cognitive abilities.

The Happy List began five years ago and is put together as a result of research, appeals across social media and nominations from individuals and organisations.

Claire has previously been invited to the House of Commons in recognition of her work and was a finalist in the national Talk Talk Digital Hero Awards.

Lesley Brook, Naomi House’s director of care, said: “The whole team at Naomi House and jacksplace are immensely proud of Claire and her achievement. Her invention has ensured that children and youngsters in hospices can make use of computers and keep in touch with the outside world.”