THE new Pershore Hospital and Medical Centre took a step closer to becoming a reality yesterday when the first sod was cut in the ground.

Cllr Judy Pearce, health spokesman for Wychavon District Council, described it as a "momentous day" as she recalled the process of the project believed to be the first partnership between a local authority and a primary care trust.

The original cottage hospital was opened in 1895, and was funded by local subscriptions, legacies and fundraising until it became part of the National Health Service in 1948.

The physiotherapy unit was added in 1973, with £32,752 raised by the Friends of the Hospital who funded an extra 16 beds in 2000.

At that time talks began between the district council and the Pitts Tucker practice to build a new health centre, and in 2003 the health scrutiny team suggested building a completely new hospital on the civic centre site.

Cllr Pearce said: "For Wychavon this is a double win. Not only will it fulfil two of our promises of reaching out to everyone and healthy and safe communities but it will benefit council tax payers by providing a return on the investment above the current best bank rates.

The hospital and health centre in Pershore are expected to open in September 2006.