WORK to build a new, inpatient hospice in Boston reached an important milestone on Friday as the building's first cornerstone was laid.

Boston MP Mark Simmonds performed the ceremonial event at the four acre Butterfly Hospice Trust site at the rear of Pilgrim Hospital.

Boston MP Mark Simmonds, centre, with Butterfly Hospice Trust supporters and contractors at the hospice site.

Construction, which began last year, is now moving on a pace with the hospice due to open in December.

Spokesman Sue Wray told the Target the hospice will fill a vital need for the people of Boston.

She said: "Many local residents have told us they have seen loved ones die on busy, overstretched hospital wards rather than travel to Lincoln or Peterborough for a bed, on the rare occasion that a bed was available.

"Over the years the trust has realised just how important an inpatient facility would be to the people of the area as this would complete the jigsaw of palliative care services.

"The building will have the roof on by the end of July and be operational by the end of December providing four individual bedrooms with on-suite wet rooms and one twin bed room, large lounge, kitchen, offices and treatment rooms.

"Overnight accommodation for relatives will be provided in a log cabin within the large, fully landscaped gardens.

"We sincerely thank all those businesses and individuals who have been supportive and helped to get the hospice to this stage.

"The support has been amazing, having raised well over £1 million for the land and building. Almost 300 volunteers have meant overheads have been kept to a minimum.

"Our two shops and warehouse raise an amazing amount of funds from donated goods.

"The fundraising events are continuously well supported but in this time of recession we continue to need people's support to both kit out the building and to run the services it will provide."

Mr Simmonds said: "I am delighted to support the Butterfly Hospice Trust which is an excellent local charity.

"There is a severe shortage of palliative care beds in Lincolnshire which the establishment of the Butterfly Hospice will address.

"This is a clear demonstration of the local community coming together to raise funds for a vital facility and I am pleased that the project has reached this stage."