THE Long House Appeal, to provide a centre for hospice services closer to families in and around Holsworthy, has now reached a total of £71,653, just short of its target of £75,000, writes Christine Williams.

Jenny Richardson, of North Devon Hospice fundraising team, told a meeting of Holsworthy Community Forum that construction had started on the Long House and it was hoped the building would be completed by June.

Six extra car parking spaces were already in place and in the next two weeks five-metre piles would be sunk into the site.

The appeal will continue into the next financial year to raise money for running costs.

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