PRINCE Charles met with patients, volunteers and staff at the Cotswold Care Hospice in Minchinhampton on Thursday to see how work was progressing on the hospice's new £2.8million building.

Head of Resources Corinne Godding reported the Prince had said he was very impressed with how things had moved forward since his last visit.

"At that time it was all drawings and now the building has a roof," she said.

Prince Charles also talked to patients receiving day care, counselling and complimentary therapies.

Hospice chief executive Marcus Green said: "It's always an enormous honour to welcome Prince Charles and his interest in our work is wonderful.

"He was keen to meet as many people as possible. He pulls up a chair chats to everyone and gives everyone plenty of time."

The Cotswold Care Hospice supports people living with cancer or other life-threatening diseases.

Work is well underway towards building a new purpose-built hospice adjacent to the current building, which will be knocked down to make way for car parking.

Mr Green said: "We are making good progress. We need £2.8million and we have well over £2.3million.

"We have ideas where some of the money is going to come from but we are looking for people with fundraising ideas to come forward."

Mr Green is particularly keen to hear from businesses interested in sponsoring rooms in the new building.