A long-awaited new medical centre is finally taking shape in a village near Worcester.

The £1.5m primary care centre on Kidderminster Road, Ombersley, will offer a full range of clinical services including a GP practice and minor surgery theatre.

The 900sq ft building - plans for which were first mooted in 2002 - will also accommodate community staff including district nurses, health visitors and midwives after its expected opening date in summer 2006.

Dr Andrew Horn, who will be one of the GPs at the centre, said: "We are excited about the prospect of moving into our new premises. There will be improved facilities for all our patients with the potential to expand our existing services.

"We are looking to incorporate regular physiotherapy sessions, explore alternative medicine and increase practice nurse hours."

Nigel Higenbottam, assistant director of primary care at South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust, said: "The PCT is very pleased that plans to build a new surgery are now progressing.

"The new premises will be designed to incorporate the present and future needs to ensure that services are provided to patients."

The two-storey building, being developed by Matrix Medical, is designed to remain in keeping with the village's rural landscape.

The land on which the centre will be built is owned by

the Ombersley Conservation Trust, which made the land available in order for the centre to be built.