CONTRACTORS are preparing to raise the roof on Southampton's new cancer support and information centre.

The £1m facility is quickly taking shape behind the eye unit at Southampton General Hospital.

Building work began in August and should be completed by the end of January.

The centre is expected to open its doors to the public next spring, once it has been fully fitted.

It is being built thanks to a massive fundraising drive by Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The charity's South Hampshire Appeal, backed by the Daily Echo, has just hit the £640,000 mark - well on the way to its £1m target.

Appeal manager Connie McConachie said: "It is very exciting to see the centre being built.

"The metal struts are in place now and we hope to get the roof on next week.

"It is all going really well. Our thanks go to everyone who has helped us raise £640,000 so far - we couldn't have got this far without them."

When completed, the centre will provide help and advice for anyone whose life is affected by cancer. Relatives and friends will be as welcome as patients themselves.

Designed to offer a homely atmosphere, the building will be a complete contrast to the stark wards and cold hospital corridors so often associated with cancer care.

As well as those living in south Hampshire, the centre will support people from the Isle of Wight, parts of Dorset and Wiltshire, and the Channel Islands.

Facilities on offer will include complementary therapies, support groups, information leaflets, Internet access, Macmillan staff, stylish wigs and headgear and advice about patient grants and state benefits.

To find out how you can help the appeal, contact Macmillan's local office on 023 8023 6367.