A WORCESTER charity has revealed its vision to be the leader of palliative care for cancer patients in the county by 2012.

The objective, announced by St Richard's Hospice, which has a new £5.25m centre for patients with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in Spetchley, is one item in the charity's business plan for the next five years.

Senior managers and governors have also confirmed the mission, values and strategic objectives for St Richard's until 2012.

Chief executive Mark Jackson said: "The successful move of St Richard's Hospice to its fantastic new premises and the opening of all departments, including the new in-patient unit, was the culmination of an eight-year business plan and the capital appeal which was magnificently supported by the people of south Worcestershire.

"It is also the realisation of the vision of the original founders of our hospice 23 years ago. St Richard's cannot stand still and so the governors and senior management have been looking ahead to create a new business plan for the next five years.

"As an independent charity serving the needs of the people of south Worcestershire it is important that the community understands the direction that they wish to follow."

Strategic objectives include developing all new areas of the hospice to their full potential, developing patient services and sustaining an achievable annual increase in income from fund-raising.

The hospice plans to maximise the quality of life of patients facing cancer or other life-threatening illness, relieve patients and families from the anxiety and depression brought about by disease, and help them to enjoy life to their maximum ability.