LONG-awaited work on an in-patient unit at the St Clare Hospice, Hastingwood, officially began last Friday.

Hospice chiefs are still facing an estimated £300,000 shortfall in the appeal's £1.7m target. But trustees decided to get building work underway in the belief that widespread support would ensure that the target is achieved.

Hospice general manager Jo Brennan described the ceremonial sod-cutting by the Lord Lieutenant of Essex, Lord Braybrooke, as "a day of achievement".

She said: "It has been a vision for almost 10 years and the fact that this is now definitely happening is wonderful."

"Without the fundraisers we wouldn't be here. It really is a special day for all of us."

The new unit will have eight bedrooms, of a size which would allow a relative to stay if required. The building is expected to be ready by September 1999.

Anyone wanting to help with fundraising, or to make a donation, or wants more details on the hospice, can contact Jo Brennan at the hospice centre, Hastingwood Road, Hastingwood, on 01279 413590.

The £7,000 proceeds from a charity golf day, with an auction of promises and a tombola, organised by Alan Kerr at Bishop's Stortford Golf Club, were presented to trustee chairman Ian Paterson on Friday.~

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.