A grant of more than £250,000 could be the first step in the major redevelopment of St Michael's Hospice.

The award, from the Department of Health, was announced this week and work on building extra facilities could start as soon as the cheque for £266,740 is in the bank.

Chief executive Nicky West applied for the grant after the government announced it was to invest £40 million to provide dignified care for older people in hospices.

The money will be used to build a therapeutic suite attached to the day hospital to cater for complementary therapies and individual treatments and a space for counselling, discussion and access to information.

It will also go towards a garden room to optimise space and give patients the benefit of the views during the winter months, carry out external work and landscaping to provide wards with better protection against the elements and to provide a self-contained area, particularly for teenagers visiting elderly relatives.

With growing demands on the hospice, not only for beds but for all the other services hospices now offer, St Michael's has been considering redevelopment for some time.

The building is now more than 20 years old and the management team said it was acutely aware it needed to respond to changing care needs.

"It is important to us and our community that we are able to offer a care environment which is accessible to those who need it and is fit for purpose for the future," said Mrs West.

The developments made possible by the grant would contribute to and complement future hopes and plans for St Michael's, bringing much-needed space and benefits now, she added.

l Meanwhile, Graham Millard, landlord at the Vaga Tavern, will be shaving his head to raise funds for the hospice on Saturday.

Members of St Michael's will be present to talk to customers about the charity and a drag act and singer will also be keeping the regulars entertained. For details, call 01432 273601.