A GIANT birthday cake was due to be shared by Christie Hospital patients today to celebrate the hospital's 100th birthday.

The Queen has also sent a letter expressing her best wishes for the centenary of the hospital, which was named the Christie on November 26, 1901.

It had previously been opened in 1892 as the Cancer Pavilion and Home for Incurables and 100 years ago had just 30 beds.

Now the hospital is an international leader in cancer research and is the largest treatment centre of its kind in Europe.

Earlier this year the hospital celebrated its anniversary by achieving its target of raising £25 million in just four years for the "CHRISTIE'S against CANCER appeal."

"The name of the Christie Hospital has a very special meaning for people across the North-west whose lives have been touched by cancer, and we hope this name continues to mean as much, and more over this next century," said hospital chairman Arthur Sandford.