Staff at the centre are delighted refurbishment work is under way

The service will be based in temporary premises at Wishaw General hospital until a dedicated facility is built.

Work to refurbish a former doctors' residence has already begun and is due to be completed in a few weeks.

The decision on where to site a permanent centre has been put on hold until a review of cancer services by NHS Lanarkshire has been completed.

Gaye Paterson, cancer support specialist for Maggie's Lanarkshire, said: "I am delighted that we will soon have a base.

"Anybody affected by cancer will be able to use the centre to access free of charge emotional and psychological support and practical information."

"To have a facility like this on your doorstep makes a huge difference Connie Wensley, cancer patient

Plans for a new purpose-built Maggie's Centre at Wishaw were shelved after the health board unveiled proposals to centralise cancer services at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie.

An announcement on the future of health services in Lanarkshire is due in February.

Judith Hope, general manager for NHS Lanarkshire's Women's, Cancer and Diagnostic Division, said: "The interim service is a welcome addition to cancer services in Lanarkshire and will offer patients and their families valuable support and advice."

Raise money

Over the past four years �1.4m has been raised for a Maggie's Centre in Lanarkshire and cancer patients have welcomed the news that an interim centre is to open soon.

Connie Wensley, from Wishaw, underwent chemotherapy after being diagnosed with breast cancer and now runs a second-hand stall to raise money for Maggie's.

She said: "It is fantastic news to hear that we are having an interim facility in Wishaw.

"Getting to the Maggie's Centre in Glasgow was difficult, as you had to feel strong enough to make the journey, and had to arrange a lift.

"To have a facility on your doorstep makes a huge difference."