WORK will begin on the new cancer centre for Taunton next month.

That is the news from Musgrove Park Hospital this week.

The project had due to be started in 2005, but delays in arranging the private finance agreement meant it was only the finances were only signed off earlier this year.

John Attree, strategic project manager for the cancer centre, which is being built at the hospital, said: "Clearing of the site is to start in mid May, with work on building the cancer centre due to begin in July.

"We hope it will be complete by summer 2009."

The news has been welcomed by the Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment (SURE) campaigners, who have been fundraising since late 2000 to provide state-of-the-art equipment for the centre.

Treasurer Eric Saffin said: "It's great news that work is finally getting started as we have been waiting so long for this that I cannot believe a date has now been agreed."

SURE, which is supported by the County Gazette, has so far raised over £1/2million towards providing a scanner/ simulator to pinpoint the exact size and location of a tumour and equipment for a mask-making room.

The team had originally being aiming to raise £600,000, but that figure has risen to £750,000 to cover the improvements in the quality of equipment available, as well as the rising cost of the equipment.

Donations sent in for SURE this week have included £80 from the Nash family, who made donations in lieu of Easter Eggs in member of their father, £75 was sent in by Margaret Riley and £25 was sent in by Mr and Mrs Wright.

That puts the amount raised since the County Gazette joined forces with SURE to £61,890.

Tomorrow night (Friday) there will be prize bingo in aid of SURE at Donyatt Bowling Club.

Eyes down is at 7.30pm.