A £174,000 extension at Fair Havens Hospice will be officially opened this week.

The hospice will now be able to care for more local people living with cancer and other serious illnesses thanks to funding from the Department of Health's "Dignity in Care" programme.

A new conservatory has been built on to the hospices day care centre in Second Avenue, Westcliff.

The entrance and dining room have also been decorated and modernised to make the whole experience of staying at the hospice as welcoming as possible for patients.

Day Care Sister Janet Moring said: "We know from our current patient's feedback that the refurbishment is already making a considerable difference to their stay here.

"It's brighter, more modern and feels just like someone's front room. The extra space means we will be able to expand our services and care for more people."

The newly refurbished Fair Havens Day Care Centre will be officially opened by Southend Mayor Daphne White during her visit on Wednesday, April 23.