WORK on a new £14.2million medium secure unit at a mental health hospital is under way.

The project at Calderstones Hospital, Mitton Road, Whalley, marks the biggest single investment at an East Lancashire mental health hospital.

A sod-cutting ceremony was overseen by NHS bosses, builders and architects.

The 36-bed unit is due for completion in early 2008 and will replace existing facilities at the hospital, which cares for people with learning disabilities from the North West.

Graham Parr, chairman of Calderstones NHS Trust, said: "I am delighted to have been able to launch the building works at the sod cutting ceremony.

"The medium secure unit is one of the most exciting developments in the history of Calderstones and I am looking forward to watching the building grow over the next two years."

Nick Kendal, project manager for builders Laing O'Rourke, added: "We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Calderstones NHS Trust to deliver these excellent new facilities.

"We are excited about starting work on site and look forward to celebrating the next project milestones with the team".

Andrew Arnold, associate at Gilling Dod architects, said: "Gilling Dod are both proud and excited to have a continuing involvement in the new MSU project at Calderstones Hospital.

"The design of the unit is in our view both exciting and iconic and hopefully it will surpass the aspirations of the trust when it is completed."

A trust spokesman said the unit "will provide modern purpose built accom-modation which will ensure a wider range of therapeutic, education and leisure services and an improved environment offering greater degrees of privacy and dignity."