The cash injection by East Lancashire Primary Care Trust comes on top of the £1.4m. the PCT has spent on modernising the town's health centre and the £12m. it has earmarked for a new, purpose-built community hospital for Clitheroe.

That brings the PCT's investment in the Ribble Valley to more than £14m..

The improvement and expansion of the health centre's treatment room facilities means patients will have better and more private facilities.

In all, up to 40,000 treatments are carried out each year for residents, instead of them having to travel to hospital in Blackburn, Burnley and Accrington.

A new minor operations room will be built, along with a medical room and specimen room, with up to seven separate, enclosed treatment rooms. There will be a new, enlarged reception and waiting area, with extra offices and auxiliary rooms.

Treatment room Sister Jane Spurgeon said: "This big investment recognises all the work done in Clitheroe Health Centre. We are delighted it has been agreed and would ask patients to bear with us while work is completed. The ultimate result will make it all worthwhile.

"We undertake a huge amount of minor injury and minor operation work, with more than 40,000 treatments every year. This can range from a simple urine test to minor operations and from a child with a rash to someone who has injured themselves."

Sheila Millard, the PCT's health centre manager, added: "In terms of running the health centre, the improvement to the waiting room area will help us accommodate everyone much better, apart from the clinical and treatment work itself. The improvements all round will finish off the health centre. It's just what is needed to bring it right up to date."