WORCESTERSHIRE'S new state-of-the-art radiotherapy centre is moving closer to completion with the delivery of the first treatment machine.

The linear accelerator - also called a linac - uses electricity to create high-energy radiation that can be used to treat cancer.

It can be used to target tumours more effectively, causing less damage to surrounding tissue with less risk of complications.

By the time the centre opens early next year three machines will have been installed, with space for two more in the future.

The centre will provide radiotherapy treatment for the county’s cancer patients, meaning they will no longer face long journeys out of the county for their care.

It is estimated it will save patients around one million miles of travel every year.

The trust's lead cancer clinician Adel Makar said: “This is a huge milestone for Worcestershire’s cancer services.

"These machines will make such a difference to patients, who will soon be able to receive this radiation treatment closer to home.”

For more on the new radiotherapy centre see the Your Health section of your Worcester News on Monday, May 19.