A HIGH-TECH form of cancer treatment is now available in Northumberland.

The Rutherford Cancer Centre North East in Bedlington opened its new high energy proton beam therapy facility on Tuesday.

The treatment is a specialised type of radiotherapy, which attacks cancer cells in a more targeted way to reduce damage to surrounding tissue and organs.

Some prospective patients at the centre are already undergoing assessment for the treatment.

Chris Land, centre manager at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North East said: “This is a landmark moment in the development of cancer care in the North-East.”

“It is hugely important that North-East patients now have access to this type of cancer care.

“It has been proven to be effective in the treatment of children as it reduces damage to surrounding healthy tissue, and it is also proven to work in tackling hard-to-reach tumours.”

The Rutherford Cancer Centre North East has also announced that it has formed a partnership with one of the region’s leading cancer charities, Fighting Against All Cancers (FACT).

Joanne Smith, founder of FACT, said: “The arrival of high energy proton beam therapy is an exciting development for the region

“New advances in the provision of state-of-the-art cancer care to patients in the region is very welcome.

“We are delighted to have partnered with the Rutherford Centre.”