Popular actress and Cornwall Hospice Care supporter Michele Dotrice helped open newly refurbished hospice facilities yesterday.

Miss Dotrice, who is best known for play long-suffering wife Betty in the sitcom Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em, cut the ribbon to celebrate the improvements at Mount Edgcumbe Hospice in St Austell.

The event marked the end of a £1.4 million project to update key areas including bedrooms and bathrooms, the chapel, reception and concourse.

A major part of the work that has taken 12 months to complete, was funded by a generous legacy from Mr John Milligan of Newquay who died in 2011. There was also a substantial grant of £490,000 from NHS England.

Michele Dotrice was welcomed to Mount Edgcumbe Hospice by Chairman of Trustees, Liz Anderson who spoke to everyone assembled for the opening ceremony.

She told their famous guest: “I'm delighted to welcome you to see our newly refurbished facilities and thank all those who have helped with the funding and acknowledge the generous legacy from Mr Milligan. A special thanks goes to all those involved in the project, including our staff and volunteers.”

As Miss Dotrice was raised the scissors to the pale green ribbon she said: “It is a huge privilege to be asked to open the refurbished facilities and I am very grateful that you invited me. I am astounded at what you have done and wish you all well for the future.”

Mr John Milligan's legacy means facilities at Mount Edgcumbe have been updated to the benefit of patients, their families and staff at the hospice. An educated man who was instrumental in setting up Newquay Gig Club, Mr Milligan clearly realised the importance of legacies to charities remembering both Cornwall Hospice Care and the RNLI in his will.