PINK balloons, symbolising women diagnosed with breast cancer, were released at Basingstoke hospital as part of its annual "Wear it Pink" day.

Sir George Young, MP for North West Hampshire, joined staff and patients at Lodestone Patient Care to release the balloons at the event, which was organised to raise money for the charity Breast Cancer Campaign.

The charity, which specialises in funding independent breast cancer research throughout the UK, aims to raise £2.1million this year.

Breast cancer diagnosis is central to the work at Lodestone Patient Care and its MRI and radiology services provide essential screening to hundreds of local patients.

Sir George said: "Lodestone Patient Care's staff play a crucial local role in the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

"I applaud the work they do and I'm delighted to support them in their fundraising efforts."

Patrick Byrne, managing director of Lodestone Patient Care, said: "This day is critical in the calendar for breast cancer awareness and Lodestone Patient Care is a proud supporter of the event."