A HOSPICE in Hereford offering specialist care for people who have life-limiting illnesses is celebrating a cash windfall from the Government.

St Michael's Hospice has been awarded £266,740 from the Department of Health funds to develop its environment for older patients and their families. The money will go towards funding five new areas in the hospice grounds.

These will include a therapeutic suite, a space for counselling, discussion and access to information, a garden room, a self-contained space for younger visitors, as well as building a number of structures and landscaping outside to provide protection against the elements for the wards.

Hospice chief executive Nicky West said that the grant would help the hospice now and in the future.

"We are thrilled and fortunate to have been given this financial help and opportunity to improve our facilities for our patients and their families," she said.

"It will make a huge difference to them and will also enable us to ensure that the hospice environment is and will continue to be conducive to their well-being, care and support."