A £700,000 scheme designed to improve care for chronically ill cancer patients will be piloted in Fareham and Gosport.

Health chiefs in the two towns have been chosen to run the ground-breaking two-year trial, it has been announced.

Experts will study the experiences of selected cancer sufferers from diagnosis to treatment, as well as the aftercare they receive.

Patients from across south-east Hampshire are to benefit from the pilot study.

The area's three Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) - Fareham and Gosport, East Hampshire and Portsmouth City - come together to become one of nine around England taking part in the £6m project. Public health minister Melanie Johnson said: "Not only will this make a real difference to patients who are included in the pilot schemes but it will help us plan for the best cancer care throughout the country.

"We will find out what really helps patients during their illness and ensure that resources are spent in a way which benefits the patient as much as possible."

The Department of Health wants to monitor how different NHS providers, such as GPs, nurses and surgeons, work together to help patients.

A health department spokesman said: "Cancer patients will be monitored to see how improved support can help them navigate the health system more easily, reduce uncertainty, and improve their well-being."

The main objectives of the project include tracking and supporting cancer patients, detecting problems early, improving co-ordination between different health services, allowing patients to stay at home during their illness and ensuring treatment is quick and safe.

The findings will enable the Department of Health to build a cancer care model that can be adapted to local circumstances.

Ovations Healthcare (UK) Limited, a private medical company, won the contract to run the scheme.