A CANCER information and support centre costing £1m is to be built in Southampton.

The Macmillan Appeal for South Hampshire is launching a campaign to raise funds for the project, which has yet to find an exact location.

A number of fundraising events are already under way and people in the county are being encouraged to organise charity activities to help get the appeal up and running.

Connie McConachie, appeal manager for Macmillan Cancer Relief South Hampshire, said the charity was committed to improving the level of cancer services in the country by funding local Macmillan services that are needed the most.

She said: "People in South Hampshire already benefit from a Macmillan information radiographer and 14 Macmillan nurses, but with more local people diagnosed with cancer every week our services are needed more than ever.

"That is why we have to raise approximately £1m from the people of South Hampshire to fund a Macmillan information and support centre for patients and patient grants for people with financial difficulties."

Ms McConachie added: "The centre will have a warm and welcoming environment, with refreshments, information leaflets and complementary therapies.

"It will be of great benefit to anyone affected by cancer and support for those living in South Hampshire. The centre will also help those living on the Isle of Wight, parts of Dorset and Wiltshire and the Channel Islands.

"A similar service already exists in St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth. This service is really appreciated by patients."

The appeal has not yet been officially launched, but events such as Bring a Pound to Work and a concert in Swanmore are already being organised. Anyone who can help with fundraising should call Macmillan Cancer Relief on 023 8023 6367.