WORK will begin this summer to extend the MRI and CT scanner suite in the radiology department at the Royal United Hospital, Bath.

The new £850,000 magnetic resonance imaging scanner will be funded by the Government's New Opportunities Fund and should be up and running by the end of the year.

It will be used for orthopaedic, cancer and nervous system scanning and diagnosis.

Lead consultant radiologist Dr David Glew said: "We estimate that the new scanner could help us diagnose 20 per cent more patients.

As well as the new MRI machine the RUH Forever Friends appeal has pledged to raise £760,000 for a new computerised CT scanner, which will be used to detect cancers, certain vascular problems such as strokes, and for assessing multiple injuries caused by road traffic accidents.

Jazz musician Jamie Cullum will visit the trust on Thursday to promote the fundraising efforts of the Forever Friends appeal.