Generous supporters across Gloucestershire have helped the CT Scanner Appeal reach a major milestone.

In just a few months, £500,000 has been raised towards the target of £1.2m to buy vital new technology to save and transform lives in the county.

Since the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity launched its appeal in November, businesses, schools, community groups and many individuals have helped to raise money.

The appeal aims to fund three new CT scanners and two digital mobile X-ray machines, to provide the best possible technology to the hospitals and reduce waiting times.

Richard Hastilow-Smith, head of fundraising at the Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity praised the work of the countless fundraisers across the county.

He said: "The support has been incredible, so many people locally know how much difference the new CT scanners will make, we have reached £500,000 which is an incredible amount.

"For a lot of people giving a donation or raising funds for the appeal is their way of saying thank you to the NHS staff who have given them dedicated treatment and care across the hospitals.

The donations really do add up, and we are so grateful to everyone who has given support to the appeal."

The appeal will help a wide range of patients, from new-born babies in the neonatal unit to stroke or heart patients, as well as emergency admissions.

Ali Williams, who works with cancer patients every day as manager of the Focus Support Centre at the Gloucestershire Oncology Centre said: "To have reached half a million pounds raised is absolutely wonderful and staff here are delighted.

"I know how much this appeal matters to our patients. the new CT scanners will give us the best possible imaging technology and reduce waiting times, enabling us to diagnose and treat cancer at the earliest opportunity and relieve cancer patients of the stress of waiting for results."