PRESTON'S cancer unit was officially opened last week by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester.

The Duke unveiled a commemorative plaque at the Lancashire and Lakeland Radiotherapy Unit at Royal Preston Hospital before chatting informally to staff and patients.

Prince's Trust volunteers showed off their green-fingered talents when they took the Duke to a scenic garden they had created in the hospital grounds. The team of youngsters were given five days to transform the land last year. The royal visitor, who is an architect, made an impromptu speech and praised the open, friendly and warm design of the buildings. The grandson of George V signed the visitors' book as simply 'Richard'.

Carolyn Johnson, the chair of Preston Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said His Royal Highness stayed longer than expected and added: "The Duke was very relaxed and natural. He was obviously knowledgable about the disease as he is the president of the Cancer Research Campaign."

The £5.3 million development started treating cancer patients in February. Also at the ceremony were the Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire the Lord Shuttleworth and the county's assistant chief constable John Vine.

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