SOUTH Durham Health Care NHS Trust is stepping up the fight against cancer.

The Trust is investing more than £300,000 on equipment used for the early detection of the killer disease.

Three ultrasound machines will be installed at two of the Trust's sites - two scanners in Bishop Auckland General Hospital and the other in Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Hospital officials say the new hi-tech equipment will reduce waiting times for inpatients and outpatients and enhance the existing service offered to patients in the area.

The drive to catch the deadly illness in its early stages has been sparked by raised public awareness of cancer and changes to cancer services, which has led to an increase in ultrasound scans.

In South Durham, referrals have risen by more than 20 per cent since 1996 and are set to increase by a further eight per cent over the next year.

Clinical director of radiology, Dr Liz Dillon, said: "Early diagnosis is vital in the treatment of cancer. Demand on our ultrasound service continues to increase. This new equipment will enable us to meet these demands whilst ensuring that all our patients receive their scans and diagnoses quickly and efficiently."

The Trust is also hoping to embark on a £115,000 scheme to create a new integrated library at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Provisional approval has been given for the project.