A couple's six-figure donation has brought innovative cancer-fighting technology to Maidstone Hospital.

Roy and Margaret Sutcliffe donated £355,000 to Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust to fund ground-breaking equipment to help treat prostate cancer.

Last month the trust's urology team treated its first patient with the equipment, which uses tiny gold markers to accurately deliver radiotherapy, minimising radiation to surrounding organs.

Consultant urological surgeon Hide Yamamoto said: "We are incredibly thankful to the Sutcliffe’s for their donation which has allowed us to lead the way with treatment in this field.

"By using this equipment and the unique method of delivery we have developed, we can continue to provide world-class cancer treatment to our patients whilst greatly reducing the risk of infection.

"Following our first successful treatment using this new technique, we now plan to set up the UK’s first transperineal prostate fiducial marker clinic so that all patients can receive accurate prostate radiotherapy."

Last year Roy Sutcliffe, from Maidstone, was treated for bladder cancer at Maidstone Hospital.

He said: "My treatment was fantastic and the medical staff were brilliant.

"I have a huge amount of respect for what they do and I wanted to help the cancer team in delivering an efficient and effective service, as as benefit the patients they treat."