A NEW £1.7m MRI scanner has been unveiled at Spire Cheshire Hospital.

The Stretton hospital has opened its new Siemens Aera 1.5T MRI scanner, which will produce high resolution imagines in order to allow quicker and more accurate diagnoses.

It will be used to detect neurological disorders, cancers, degenerative conditions and orthopaedic problems.

Images of bones, joints and soft tissues can also be produced to diagnose sports injuries.

The MRI scanner's tunnel is 10cm larger than normal models to assist heavier and claustrophobic patients.

Warrington Wolves centre Ryan Atkins and mascot Wolfie were special guests at the grand unveiling on Tuesday, April 17.

Hospital director Andrew Johnson said: “This new scanner puts us at the cutting edge of medical imaging and we are very proud to have it in the hospital.

“I hope it shows our commitment to providing our local community with a first class healthcare service here at Spire Cheshire Hospital.

“The scanner has already attracted some very complimentary comments from many of our surgeons and I am sure our patients will be equally impressed when they come to use the facility.”