WORK is to start on a hospice's £2.5million extension.

Last year, St Kentigern in St Asaph was given the go-ahead for a project that will see an increase in beds from eight to 12.

The hospice has appointed Bodelwyddan construction company Wynne Construction to carry out the work.

The project, set to last 12-months, will also see day therapy, community provisions and inpatient facilities enhanced.

Work will start this month.

Iain Mitchell, charity’s chief executive, said: "Like any progressive organisation, St Kentigern needs to remain responsive to the changing needs of the community that it was established to serve, and we need to ensure our facilities always match the changing needs and expectations of our patients."

A cafe, for patients and visitors, will be built as well as accommodation for physiotherapists and an educational area.

Wynn Construction built the original hospice building in 2000 and completed an extension in 2008.