A night hostel which looks after homeless and vulnerable people has started work on its “long overdue” £1m refurbishment.

Leatherhead Night Hostel, in Church Road, will use the cash to build individual bedrooms along with new offices for support services.

The Homes and Communities Agency has given it nearly £850,000 funding, and Mole Valley Council, Raven Housing Trust and the night hostel committee have provided the extra money.

The hostel, which opened in 1977, aims to get homeless people independent again and back into work.

It has relocated to Dorking and will provide only a “limited service” while Raven Housing Trust carries out the make-over.

Councillor Vivienne Michael, portfolio holder for wellbeing and customer service at Mole Valley Council, said: “The council is pleased to support the refurbishment of the hostel. We are committed to reaching every community. This is either through our own services or, as in this case, by supporting other services.

“The hostel supports those who face a lower quality of life than the average Mole Valley resident. The refurbished facility will offer improved, often vital, support to many vulnerable people in the district.”

Pete Trowbridge, development manager at Raven Housing Trust, said: “Work on the hostel has now started, which is really exciting. We look forward to providing a great new building where people will get the help and support they need to get their lives back on track.”

Myfanwy Tothill, chairman of the trustees at the Leatherhead Night Hostel, added: “Leatherhead Night Hostel is pleased that the refurbishment has begun and we will be able to achieve our vision of a 24/7 service for our homeless clients.

“We will continue to access appropriate housing and also provide meaningful daytime activities and training, promoting independence and self-esteem to help them gain the skills and confidence necessary to face their future with optimism and find a stake in society.”