NEARLY £12,500 has been donated to a research lab in Worcestershire to fund a state-of-the-art microscope that could help treat diabetes.

The Royal Voluntary Service (RVS) handed over the early Christmas present to Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust’s chief executive Penny Venables, chairman Harry Turner and lead clinical scientist Dr Hilary Murray.

The Islet Research Laboratory, on Newtown Road in Worcester, will use the money to purchase a state-of-the-art Axiovert microscope, which is used to monitor cells as they grow.

By monitoring islet cells closely, the research laboratory is hoping to find new ways to treat diabetes patients in the future.

Dr Murray said: “The RVS has given us such an amazing gift.

"This microscope is going to make a huge difference to what we are able to achieve in our research.

"We are extremely grateful for this donation.”

Tim Riggott, local area manager for the RVS, said: “We are delighted to be able to donate so much to this great cause.

"It just shows how a few purchases from our stores across the county can add up to something truly beneficial to our healthcare services."