The planned expansion of Sheppard House could start as early as the spring and the total cost will be £450,000.

The final costings, revealed for the first time, mean that the new additions may have to be built in stages, beginning with two bathrooms for disabled or infirm people.

The cost of the first phase alone will be £212,000, according to Colin Chave, chairman of trustees for Newent Association for the Disabled.

Mr Chave said that the charity now had £80,000 in its kitty raised through its own efforts.

He added: "We are now approaching various trusts and we shall be approaching the lottery as well."

The Forest of Dean District Council granted planning permission for the improvements in January.

The new bath units, which are likely to include underfloor heating, will be joined by a conservatory to an activity room. This will contain computers and give elderly and disabled people the chance to make use of the internet.

Mr Chave said this would give them the opportunity of staying in touch with friends and relatives living some distance away, or overseas.

The activity room would also be used for short mat bowls and other social games. An area in the new section will also be devoted to services such as chiropody and physiotherapy.

The new facilities will be housed in a new block built on to the existing building, over what is currently the centre's car park. A new car park will be built, as part of planning conditions, on land adjoining the site.