STAFF and patients at Kemp Hospice toasted their last Christmas at the current premises - with the New Year set to signal a fresh start.

The doors will close at the hospice in Sutton Park Road for the last time at Easter, when new premises at the Cedars Hotel in Mason Road are due to open.

Nurse manager Helen Windridge said there was some sadness because it was the end of an era after 21 years in the building.

But staff were delighted to be moving into bigger and better premises.

The hospice currently provides daily respite care for about 12 people with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.

The new HQ could provide care for up to 18 people, with support services including occupational and physiotherapy and a wide range of complementary therapies moving there too.

Eventually the hospice will offer in-patient care in a five-bed unit - the first specialist palliative care beds in the district.

The hospice closes for Christmas on December 23 - but the care continues all the same, added Mrs Windridge.

Special arrangements are made when necessary to help hospice users and relatives who fear they might struggle to cope, she said.

"The care continues if people need us, no matter what. But it is a time for families - people prefer to be with their families at this time of year."

She added that at-home services, including district nurses, operated over Christmas.

The hospice maintains a light and happy mood in the run-up to the big day, with everyone doing their bit to ensure patients enjoy the festive celebrations.

A Christmas lunch was held on Monday for patients, while carers enjoyed a festive get-together last night. A special open day is also planned for December 30 for patients and relatives.