A STATE-of-the-art cancer research building in Southampton has been officially opened by the Duke of Gloucester.

The £5.5m facility, which opened its doors informally in March, provides facilities for the University of Southampton's internationally re-nowned team of cancer scientists and aims to enhance the city's reputation as one of the world's leading cancer centres.

A joint project between the university and cancer charity Cancer Research UK, the new building - which is based at Southampton General Hospital - takes its name from the Somers family, in recognition of a substantial donation made towards funding.

Mrs Somers and her late husband, Nat, lived in the Southampton area for many years and owned and operated the airport in Eastleigh, after taking it over in 1961 when it was on the verge of closure.

The duke, who is first cousin to the Queen and 17th in line to the throne, was shown around the facility by Prof Peter Johnson, head of cancer research at the university, before unveiling a commemorative plaque.

Phyllis Somers, whose company, Neutral Holdings, made the donation, inaugurated the building.

Prof Johnson said: "To many people this might seem like just another large and expensive building, but I think it represents the hopes and aspirations of a number of people.

"The people who work here, the people who funded it, but most important of all I think it's a focus for the hopes and aspirations of the people we look after and the people with these illnesses for whom this building is intended."

The duke added: "I'm delighted that through the generosity of the Cancer Research Campaign you now have this splendid building which is absolutely at the cutting-edge in being able to provide facilities for your research."

The Somers Cancer Research Building will house some of the world's top scientists working on a range of research projects in a bid to harness the immune system to fight cancer.