WORK starts this week on the £6m replacement for St Catherine's Hospice at Scarborough.

The 20-bed unit at High Farm, Throxenby, will replace the existing premises in Scalby Road, opened nearly 30 years ago.

The complex will include an educational unit, physiotherapy gym, chapel, day care centre and the charity's fundraising operation.

It is being built by S Harrison Construction, of Malton, as part of construction contracts worth £17m.

The company recently completed the £10m headquarters of Scarborough Building Society at the Seamer bypass.

Other building developments by the company taking place this year include a 12,000sq ft office for P&O Developments, on the University of York's Science Park at Heslington, and a £2.2m warehouse in Wakefield.