Bosses of a leading healthcare firm have applied to build a cancer treatment centre in Reading, it emerged on Tuesday.

Proton Partners International LTD has submitted a planning application to Reading Borough Council to build a proton beam therapy centre in the town.

It will include facilities for proton beam therapy, as well as a CT suite and an MRI.

Mike Moran, chief executive officer of Proton Partners International, said: “Our aim is to help transform cancer treatment in the UK and the building of a third proton beam therapy centre is a key milestone.

“Reading is the perfect location for our third centre - it is close to well-connected transport links and opens the door to proton beam therapy to patients from the South of England.

“We have acquired the best technology available and our centres will be state of the art cancer treatment facilities.”

The firm has applied to construct the new building at Thames Valley Science Park, and will also provide chemotherapy and radiotherapy services.

Mr Moran added: “By being located at the Science Park in Reading, Proton Partners will be at the heart of one of most exciting and thriving projects in the health and life sciences sector in Europe.

"Not only will our centre bring an innovative industry to Reading, but it will also bring skilled job opportunities that will play a key role in boosting the local economy.”