A fertility company is to open a new Norfolk IVF clinic where, for the first time, people from the county will be able to undergo IVF treatment from start to finish.

Currently couples in Norfolk have to travel outside the county, normally to Cambridge or London, for their final egg collection and embryo transfer procedures.

But the new clinic, which will also create 30 new jobs, will offer the complete treatment in Wymondham.

Bourn Hall Clinic, which was the world's first IVF centre and which is based in Cambridge, has taken a 15-year lease on Unit 3 at The Apex at Gateway 11 Business Park in Wymondham.

Around 300 patients annually, both NHS and self-funding, travel from Norfolk to Bourn Hall Clinic in Cambridge for the egg collection and embryo transfer procedures.

Bourn Hall already works closely with the James Paget University Hospital in Gorleston and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.

Simon Barton, financial director of Bourn Hall, said: 'Establishing a full service IVF clinic in Norwich is a strategic move for the company and it will mean for the first time Norfolk patients will have a dedicated fertility centre on their doorstep.

'We will continue to work closely with the Norfolk hospitals and will treat both NHS and self-funded patients.

'The new facility will generate 30 new jobs over time. Our fit-out programme has commenced and we hope to be open for patients in the new year.'

Property company Wrenbridge, working in partnership with Harber Commercial Properties, let the 8,500 sq ft building, which was constructed speculatively on the back of a pre-let to the NHS on the neighbouring unit.

Bourn Hall Clinic was founded by the pioneers of IVF, Patrick Steptoe and Professor Robert Edwards, and was established as the world's first IVF clinic following the birth of the first 'test tube baby', Louise Brown, in 1978.

By the end of 2013 Bourn Hall Clinic will have three full service IVF centres in the UK at Cambridge, Colchester and Wymondham, with satellite clinics in Norfolk, Bedfordshire and Essex.