A home for disabled ex-servicemen is launching a major fund-raising appeal to help it meet controversial Government guidelines.

Gifford House is planning a new £4 million complex at its headquarters in Worthing to meet the new accommodation rules for care homes.

John Paxman, chief executive of the Queen Alexandra Home for Disabled Ex-servicemen, in Boundary Road, said a new wing containing 22 single rooms would have to be built.

The scheme will also include an upgraded physiotherapy department and a new occupational therapy complex.

Two existing wards at Gifford House will be converted into single rooms with en-suite facilities but this has angered some veterans, who would prefer to share rooms with their friends.

The home wrote to the Government seeking an exemption but this was refused.

Work is expected to start next year and should be completed towards the end of 2006, providing a total of 60 beds.

Mr Paxman said: "Gifford House will then be at the forefront of a diminishing number of similar establishments in the country providing nursing care of the highest quality for disabled ex-servicemen.

"The demand for nursing beds for physically disabled ex-servicemen will greatly increase over the next five to ten years as the bulk of former National Servicemen now begin to enter early old age.

"Many homes will close down over the next five years as the cost of meeting the Government's new standards will be beyond them."

Jayne Peachey, Gifford House's secretary and accountant, called on members of the public to become lifetime donors to the hospital-home.