EIGHT new consultation rooms will be opened at a specialist cancer centre thanks to a welcome funding boost.

The Altrincham and Sale Fundraising Group has raised a huge £23,040 in nine months to fund the consultation rooms for the newly opened outpatients department at The Christie hospital.

A Murder Mystery evening, Christmas fair, carol concert, card sale and bridge drive are among the activities that the group has been busy organising since September last year.

The long-standing group, headed up by Janice Moss, has been raising money for The Christie since 1997.

Louise Dawson, Community Fundraising Officer from The Christie Charity said: "We can’t thank the Altrincham and Sale Fundraising Group enough for their continued hard work and dedication to raising funds for The Christie.

"With their support, the new outpatients department will provide an enhanced environment for our patients, offering privacy and dignity where patients and their loved ones feel comfortable and comforted."

The new £7million outpatient unit opened at The Christie in February this year to provide a more accessible, spacious and comfortable environment for patients. About 95,000 appointments take place there each year.

The Altrincham and Sale Fundraising Group has raised more than £800,000 for the hospital since it was established.

Group lead Janice Moss said: “It’s our pleasure to continue raising money for The Christie and all of our events these past few months have been a huge success thanks to our many loyal and local supporters.

"I’m supported by a great committee, who all work tirelessly to raise funds and we are delighted to have raised such a fantastic amount to support the new outpatients department."