A £1m daycare centre for the elderly on the Waterside has moved a step closer to reality.

Plans for a purpose-built centre in Dibden - which could be a model for the future of daycare - were approved by Hampshire's adult social services boss.

The proposed building in Challenger Way is described as a "well-being and day opportunities centre".

It will be bigger than the ageing Cussens day centre in Hythe and have a modern kitchen and private gardens.

Activities on offer will include sessions to stop smoking, art classes, cookery lessons and fitness groups.

The centre will be the first to provide services in line with Hampshire County Council's Adult Social Services' modernisation plan.

Councillor Patricia Banks, executive member for adult social services, said it could become a "template for the future of day services".

She said: "We want people who use adult social services to be integrated into the community and not isolated, to be helped to help themselves and to have more control over their lives and, most importantly, choice."

The centre will be named after Doug Horrill, the president of the New Forest East branch of Age Concern, who has been a leading campaigner for a new facility on the Waterside. He said: "It's essential we have it. We've battled away for 12 years for this."

New Forest District Council has handed over the land for the project, which will be funded by cash already set aside and £378,000 from the sale of Old School House in Cannon Street, Lymington.

Hampshire County Council leader Ken Thornber, pictured, is expected to give the scheme the final go-ahead at the end of the month.

Work is likely to start on the site in June and the centre should be finished by January 2008.