PHASE two of the Stratton Hospital Development has made very good progress this year and is on schedule; the newly rebuilt In-Patient Department is due to be opened in the autumn.

Dr Peter Hillenbrand from the League of Friends of Stratton Hospital, said: "Patients, visitors and staff can look forward to a much more welcoming environment in a hospital fit for the 21st century."

The hospital will have the same number of beds as before and will also now have improved facilities to provide palliative care.

The League of Friends is grateful for the public's generous, enthusiastic and continuing support in fund raising for this much needed development of Stratton Hospital.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.