THE SuperScanner has finally landed in East Lancashire! The life-saving piece of medical equipment arrived at Blackburn Royal Infirmary yesterday.

Residents living close to the infirmary were amazed to see the huge magnet lifted into the hospital by cranes. It was then wheeled 100 yards along a corridor on casters to its new home.

Organisers, who are on the brink of raising the £1million needed to fund the machine today paid tribute to the generosity of local people.

Appeal chairman Mike Trickett was overwhelmed at the sight of the huge magnet.

He said: "It's absolutely wonderful. I always knew that the people of East Lancashire would reach the target, but I didn't think they would do it so quickly.

"It really is fantastic and we would like to thank everybody who donated money and organised events. Thank-you!"

Other parts of the machine will be delivered throughout this week. The scanner will then be opened to visitors before it is switched on.

Mr Trickett added: "I certainly felt a certain sense of satisfaction seeing it delivered. All the hard work really has been worth it.

"Just to see what we have achieved together was wonderful."

The scanner will be capable of detecting a range of life-threatening conditions and should be up and running by August.

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