Work started last week on an extension for Gloucester House in Melton, which will eventually see it able to cater for around 60 rather than 30 elderly people per day.

The Norman Way centre, run by Age Concern, has benefited from a cash injection from Leicestershire County Council after the authority opted to wind down its own day centre, also in Norman Way.

Age Concern officials say the extension will result in a bigger and better service when finally complete.

Age Concern's Melton manager, Roy Holland said: "The extension has been planned for quite a while and its good to see it get started. It involves a further two day care rooms for Gloucester House and will accommodate some of the people who currently use the Norman Way day centre.

"It will be another six months before it is finished and will involve much improved facilities and will enable us to cater for up to 60 people depending on the level of care they want.

"There will be new toilet and bathing facilities besides the two day rooms and it should be finished by the middle of September.

"We're absolutely delighted, it will secure the care centre for all the people who use it now and in future."

The improvements were first tabled by Leicestershire County Council in 2006 and are costing more than £200,000 to complete.

The Norman Way day centre is not scheduled to wind down until the work is finished.

Councillor Dave Houseman is chairman of the authority's adult social care scrutiny committee. He said: "We have a very good relationship with agencies that deal with the elderly, particularly Age Concern, which has a very good understanding of what is required for that age group. Service improvement at day centres like these is absolutely vital."