THE first turf was cut at North Devon Hospice's new outreach centre in Holsworthy last week signifying the start of the £500,000 development.

The new facility called The Long House will offer more care and support to people in the surrounding area, helping to reduce travel times to and from the hospice at Barnstaple.

Amongst a host of people who have been instrumental in the project, TV star John Nettles took part in the turf-cutting ceremony last week. He was also joined by Anna Moseby and her two sons William and Woody — a family who have been supported by North Devon Hospice throughout the illness of the children's late father, Rob Moseby.

The Long House will be built on land next to Holsworthy Medical Centre and work has been able to start thanks to the early response to a £75,000 fundraising appeal in the community.

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