Romsey Hospital is to get a fitting legacy to its former appeal chairman Dr John White - a £260,000 state-of-the-art X-ray department.

The project was close to Dr White's heart before his death a few weeks ago.

The X-ray department is part of the second phase of the hospital's re-vamp, supported by the West and Test Primary Care Group, and should be up and running by the end of the year.

With the latest electronic equipment and telephone links it will reduce the waiting times for patients by as much as eight days.

Currently residents in Romsey have to travel to other hospitals if they experience a break or sprain.

Now they will be able to have X-rays without travelling to larger hospitals.

A spokesman for the appeal, which has already raised £830,000 towards its £1 million target, said: "Dr White was extremely pleased to know the X-ray department had the go-ahead because it was a project that was of great interest to him.

"It's going to mean so much to the people of Romsey, especially the elderly who don't have cars.

"Travelling to larger hospitals for X-rays can often be intimidating to people."

Wards at the hospital have also been re-furbished thanks to the appeal and support from Southampton Community Health Services NHS Trust.

Trust chief executive Mike Lager said: "Romsey Hospital is going from strength to strength. This is yet another step ensuring that its proud record of serving local people - stretching back 102 years - will continue far into the future as well."

The new-look wards will be officially unveiled on next Monday at noon by Lady Romsey, president of the appeal.

A thanksgiving service for Dr White will take place at Romsey Abbey on Saturday January 13 at 2pm.