IT IS the much-loved Romsey cancer charity that helps hundreds of residents every year.

Now, as it looks to expand, planning permission has been secured for Romsey Cancer Support Centre's new premises.

The charity, which took over the running of Jane Scarth House a few years ago, will move from their current site on The Hundred to a building less than 100 feet behind them.

Work will now begin to improve the currently unused building in the coming months, with an extension and interior improvements to accommodate the people they support living with or affected by cancer – free of charge.

"We still have a lot of work ahead of us, but we cannot wait to get on with it," said Sue Jones, trustee of the charity.

"Everything at the moment (in terms of the move) is really positive.

"When we first saw the building, none of us thought it was suitable, but now I can't wait to see what it will become."

The current building, Jane Scarth House, is spread over two floors, with a befriending room – where people can come in off of the street and talk to someone – a counselling room and a therapy room.

But, the new building will be on just one floor, providing more accessiblity for many of the charity's disabled clients.

"The design is incredible and I am really excited about it," said Anne Campbell, centre manager at Jane Scarth House.

"Sue is the one who had the vision with the extension; it is going to look great once it is finished.

"The building's location is also quite private and a number of the people we help will like that."

As reported, the extension will be built with material donated by local firms and built by volunteers from the community.

"It is a community exercise – we need everyone's help," added Sue.

"After we took over Jane Scarth House a lot of people came to offer their help; we couldn't have done it without them, and those same people will be taking the charity forward."