A NEW £1.8 million centre to teach staff at the Christie Hospital, Manchester, about advances in cancer care -- and give patients a modern cinema -- was being opened today.

The new hi-tech centre boasts the most advanced audio and visual equipment seen in a hospital.

The North-west cancer specialist unit will be looking to introduce a live link from its classrooms to the operating theatres and will host web-casting seminars -- to be watched live by NHS staff nationwide.

The specially-built auditorium will also be used as an evening cinema for patients to watch blockbuster films.

Arthur Sandfords, Chairman of the Christie Hospital, said: "We want to make sure that the Christie Hospital builds on and shares its expertise.

"We are very proud of our staff and it is thanks to their skills and knowledge that we are regarded as a national and international leader in cancer care, research and development.

"This new centre provides an excellent environment in which to develop our staff."

Leading cancer experts have always travelled from across the world to speak at the hospital -- until now.

The advanced computer technology will mean conferences reaching all corners of the globe without the need to travel.

Vice-chancellor of the University of Manchester, Professor Martin Harris, officially opened the centre today. Proud