KEMP Hospice's "beautiful" new extension is due to be completed today after four months of hard work.

The one-storey building, funded by a £398,000 grant from NHS England, will help to create more space for the growing number of services Kemp Hospice provides.

The extension includes a physiotherapy room, multi-purpose function room, a sanctuary for spiritual care and a dedicated space for children and young people to give patients the opportunity to take part in activities as a group or have a quiet space for reflection.

Chief executive Terry Osborn said: "It's all gone to plan despite the interruptions with some really awful weather.

"It's all going to be ready, it's looking beautiful. The people that have seen it are astounded.

"For us to have all of our patient services on the ground floor is a huge improvement for patients.

"We can bring larger numbers of patients together with our new function room. Previously, we have only been able to have five or six people together, now we can get 20 people in the room."

The function room will be used for the hospice’s ‘days out’ where staff and patients play the part and ‘visit’ Wimbledon or the races.

Mr Osborn added: "For somebody who is terminally ill, it's difficult to get them from here to Wimbledon or Ascot.

"We've got a 50-inch colour screen so the patients can have their hair done and dress up in their finery and have a virtual flutter or enjoy the strawberries and cream.

"You can't imagine what that does for them. For all intents and purposes it'll be just like being there."

Work began in November last year by local contractors Universal Learning.

The existing rooms in the hospice will be used to accommodate the hairdressing salon and bathroom, which are currently on the first floor, to provide easier access.

One hundred volunteers will be visiting the hospice today to see the completed work, followed by a VIP event tomorrow.

An official opening has yet to be arranged.