WORK could get underway on building the new cancer centre at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital by the end of this month.

The hospital trust is currently accepting tenders for the work, and is due to make a decision on February 27.

A spokesman for the hospital said: "People still have until February 22 to ask for a judicial review into the planning consent for the hospital, and then we expect to award the contract on February 27, so work can start straight after that."

The news will be welcomed by the Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment (SURE) fundraisers.

They started the campaign for a cancer centre in Taunton, as it was felt that patients should not have to travel to Bristol every day for treatment.

They are also aiming to raise £600,000 to provide diagnostic and treatment equipment for the centre.

The group have almost hit the £500,000 mark, and since the County Gazette joined forces with the SURE campaigners some £34,791 has been raised.

This week donations have been received from the staff of Berry's Coaches, who gave £60, Ray Hempshall, who raised £240 at his 80th birthday, and the Walnut Tree Club who gave £67.

There are also two bingo nights coming up in aid of the SURE campaign.

The first is next Friday at Donyatt Bowling Club and then on Saturday there is a night being held at Creech St Michael village hall.

Eyes down is at 7.30pm on both evenings.