WORK has started on a multi-million-pound project to ease the shortage of nursing home places in the New Forest.

Hampshire County Council is providing an extra 30 beds to help the district cope with a sharp rise in the number of people over 85.

A £2.6m extension is being built at the Bickerley Green nursing home in Kingsbury Lane, Ringwood.

A county council spokesman said the project comprised a two-storey addition with 24 bedrooms, plus another six bedrooms in the existing building.

She added: "The new facilities will meet the needs of those with general nursing needs and those with dementia or physical frailty.

"Bedrooms will be arranged in linked groups of eight, with each group having its own lounge/dining room to create a more homely environment."

County council leader Ken Thornber said: "It's very exciting to see work starting at Bickerley Green.

"I'm sure older people and their families will greatly welcome these beds, which will offer them more security and choice in meeting their care needs as they become less able to care for themselves."

The county council is building the extension in partnership with Hampshire and Isle of Wight Strategic Health Authority and New Forest Primary Care Trust.

Yvonne Le Brun, the trust's deputy chief executive, said: "This project shows the great service improvements that can be made by joint working.

"By combining our expertise we can provide much-needed, high quality and accessible services for local people."

The county council is also planning to build an 80-bed nursing home at Tatchbury Mount Hospital, Calmore.

Last year it was revealed that the Forest is facing a 42 per cent rise in the number of people aged 85 and over.

However, several homes have closed as a result of rising overheads, strict planning policies in the area and the cost of implementing new regulations.