The Archbishop of York extended a huge thank-you to Evening Press readers for their help with the £2m Hospice appeal.

As he laid the foundation stone on the extension he told guests: "The city is very lucky indeed to have a quality local paper and many thanks must go to the readers for the money they have raised."

With commemorative trowel in hand, Dr David Hope tapped the foundation stone in place while singing the praises of all involved in the Hospice project.

"Thanks and appreciation must go to members of staff, both paid and voluntary, trustees, supporters, construction workers and the Evening Press," said Dr Hope, president of the Hospice.

"All have worked together in a fruitful and constructive way to help this project."

He added that he "was sure" the remainder of the money would be raised to complete the Hospice 2000 appeal.

The 20-bed, three-storey annexe, due to open this time next year, will increase the number of beds and expand and improve facilities at the Hospice which cares for local people with life-threatening illnesses.

Before the Archbishop tapped the stone into place, chairman of trustees Trevor Copley, said: "The support of the local community has always been there for us in an incredible way.

"On behalf of patients, families and staff, we thank all who have helped us reach this stage and the Archbishop for coming to perform the ceremony."

Graham Ellis, managing director of Roberts Construction, promised the invited guests a "fantastic building" adding how pleased he was to be part of the team for the centrepiece of the St Leonard's Millennium Development Project.

After the completion of the annexe next year, all the medical and nursing care of in-patients will be transferred there and the original buildings will be transformed to increase day care facilities.

Liz Page, editor of the Evening Press, said: "Our grateful thanks go to all the readers who have supported the appeal so far.

"Together we will reach that £2m total."

newsdesk@ycp.co.uk