A revolutionary new machine that could provide a more accurate diagnosis of early breast cancer is coming to Cheltenham thanks to the fund-raising of Cobalt.

Cobalt has raised the £338,000 required to purchase new equipment for the Thirlestaine Breast Centre.

The new three-dimensional mammography equipment can not only enable clearer images, it allows specialists to look at a 3D hologram-like image of the whole breast.

It will provide a more comfortable scan for patients whole also improving the chance of a more accurate, early diagnosis.

It is hoped that the introduction of the new machine will help to reduce the number of breast cancer-related deaths each year.

Cobalt have been raising money for cancer screening projects in Cheltenham for more than 50 years.

The latest tranche of money was raised by an ever-growing list of volunteers and fundraisers who support the appeal in ever-more ingenious ways.

Julia Jenkins, Head of Fundraising, Cobalt said: "We are very grateful to all our supporters and volunteers for supporting this campaign.

"We have been very touched by the incredible things they have done to raise the money including concerts, sponsored head shaves, a pink themed football match and a children's book!

"We know that more funds will be needed and therefore we will continue to have a designated breast cancer fund for fundraising throughout the year.

"The Cobalt Breast Cancer fund will be used to improve the diagnosis, research and patient experience for breast cancer patients."

The breast screening programme in Gloucestershire is delivered by the NHS under the direction consultant radiologist professor Iain Lyburn.

Professor Lyburn added: "This is absolutely fantastic news.

This equipment will make a significant difference to the care of thousands of local women every year during their assessment and investigation of potential breast cancer.

"We have a great opportunity to enhance our research projects, including evolving applications of artificial intelligence in image analysis."

The Thirlestaine Breast Centre at Cobalt House serves a population of 115,000 women of screening age in Gloucestershire.

They take 28,000 screening mammograms each year. Up to 125 symptomatic patients are also seen each week.