BIG celebrations are planned to mark the completion of a £1 million extension to a community hospital.

After two-and-a-half years of vigorous fund-raising, supporters of the Victoria Hospital, Wimborne, have completed their first phase of the Million for the Millennium Appeal.

The extension, built at the hospital to house a new outpatients department will be officially opened on December 13.

The new wing is to be called the Leslie Adams Building in memory of the late chairman of the Friends of Victoria Hospital, who started the appeal and who dedicated 13 years of his life to the hospital.

He died last year before building work began. His widow Evelyn will officially unveil the plaque commemorating the extension.

Guest of honour Lord Cranborne will perform the opening ceremony.

Other invited guests are expected to include the hospital's clinical director David Pope, hospital manager June Tripp, current chairman of the Friends Hugh Prest and chairman of the Primary Care Trust Ruth Bussey.

The Leslie Adams Building is the first phase of the redevelopment of the hospital undertaken by the appeal.

Funds are still needed to enhance the existing facilities to carry out a modernisation of the operating theatre and reorganisation of the ageing Hanham Ward and its equipment.

The hospital, which serves the people of Wimborne, Ferndown, Verwood, Broadstone and villages of East Dorset, has been well supported by the community.

Appeal director Felicity Irwin said: "The local community have been amazing. They have given so generously throughout the appeal, either with the Buy a Brick initiative or through groups and associations, and have been instrumental in bringing about this building.

"This is indeed a great achievement."

Anyone wishing to help raise the last remaining funds needed to finish the project can contact the Appeal on 0800 083 2022 or send in a donation with the Christmas Brick cards currently available from public buildings around East Dorset.