ROYAL Lancaster Infirmary will be installing a new MRI scanner in the next few weeks in a brand new extension.

The new radiology suite has been built to house the state-of-the-art scanner, and also a new CT x-ray scanner which is due to arrive shortly.

The arrival of the new equipment will coincide with the National Radiography Awareness Week, beginning on July 9.

The initiative has been designed to promote career opportunities in radiography, for students and those who may be thinking of returning to the practice.

For the past three years, the Radiology Department has had to use a mobile MRI scanner which visited the site for one day every month.

The new unit will provide the department with a permanent scanning facility, and will be fully operational by August.