Britain's first humanist hospital chaplain has defended her role, saying she has the backing of the NHS regulator.

Speaking to Premier Christian Radio on her first day as the Non-Religious Pastoral Carer for Leicester Hospitals NHS Trust, Jane Flint said: "This is about choice. The NICE guidelines have recognised that people who have non-religious belief also have a right to support in the same circumstances as those who have a religious belief."

The 63 year old trained psychotherapist will undertake the role for a two-year trial period, after which it could be made permanent.

Mark Burleigh, the head of chaplaincy and bereavement services for Leicester's Hospitals, said: "I think if hospital chaplaincy is going to be part of the NHS in future, it needs to be fully diverse."

Despite being the daughter of a Presbyterian minister, Ms Flint is an atheist and explained to Premier how she will comfort those who believe that there is no life after death.

"I'm there to witness their pain. I'm there to discuss their thoughts without any agenda of my own, and simply being there for somebody, giving them your undivided attention, is something we rarely experience in life.

"At a very important time when you're potentially facing your imminent death, feeling really seen and met by another person is very important and very comforting."

Her appointment has been welcomed by the British Humanist Association. The BHA's head of pastoral support, David Savage, said: "Guidance from NHS England last year made it clear that NHS bodies in England were obliged to provide pastoral support and care to non-religious people on the same basis as chaplaincy is provided to the religious.

"Leicester Hospitals are the first to translate that into paid staff provision."

Jane Flint believes she will be able to offer support that is un-biased in nature.

"No matter how non-judgemental somebody coming from a faith background is, if they are wearing the clerical dress that immediately sets an agenda.

"I am not saying that that is particularly negative, but if you are in a place where you are vulnerable and all you want is help, you don't want to be fighting your corner or explaining yourself, then it's important for those people who don't have a religious belief to have access to that."