WORK is under way to build the £78 million sports village in Leigh.

The massive scheme on a 72-acre site at Marshall Street looks set to revitalise the town.

And the area's largest charity will also benefit after leigh Sports Village formed a partnership with Wigan and leigh Hospice.

The sports village project is due to be completed by the end of 2007.

It will comprise:

A 10,000-seat stadium for the town's major sporting clubs, including leigh Centurions rugby league club, leigh RMI football club and leigh Harriers athletic club.

A new building for the leigh campus of Wigan and leigh College

Residential development, including student housing.

A major public sports hall and 400-metre running track with covered sprinting facility and field sports area.

A new building and pitches for the leigh East amateur rugby league club.

Swimming pool.

Commercial leisure and specialist retail facilities including a cinema, health & fitness centre, restaurants and a ten-pin bowling alley.

Hotel, business and conference centre.

Wigan and leigh Hospice is one of the charity partners chosen by the Sports Village promoters.

During the construction and operation of the £70 million project, various events will be held and opportunities created to raise funds for the hospice.

Trevor Barton, chairman of leigh Sports Partnership said: "Getting the Sports Village through the various stages has been a big challenge, but it's nothing like the challenge faced by the people of our community living with a life-threatening illness.

"They need the specialist care and support provided by the hospice. We are delighted to be able to support this very worthy cause."

The hospice has to raise around £1.25 million every year out of its £2 million running costs.

Edwin Matthews, hospice communications officer, said: "It is hoped that the foundations that are now being laid will not only build a thriving Sporting Community, but lay the foundations to provide help and support for the people needing the hospice."