WORK on Kemp Hospice's expansion project is well underway after Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier helped to turn the first sod.

The project will create a physiotherapy room, multi-purpose function room, a sanctuary for spiritual care and a dedicated space for children and young people in the garden of the Mason Road hospice.

Chief executive Terry Osborn said: "Thanks to the mild weather the project is, currently, slightly ahead of schedule with the footings having been dug for all of the buildings and concrete poured for the first of these.

"We are all looking forward to seeing the first building, the new area for children and young people, arriving on site early in the new year."

Mr Garnier and chairman of Worcestershire County Council Gordon Yarranton joined Mr Osborn for a commencement ceremony to help kick-start the project, funded by a grant from NHS England.

A factory in Wales will make the panels used in the buildings and local contractors, Universal Learning, will complete the work on site.

Building works aim to be completed by March next year.