SCREEN legend and “national treasure” Julie Walters is set to unveil new 3D breast screening equipment along with a portable ultrasound at Royal Surrey County Hospital.

The award-winning actress will officially launch the tomosynthesis machine, which is better at detecting cancerous tumours than traditional breast imaging, during a special ceremony on Friday, January 15.

The 65-year-old star of stage and screen (pictured below), best known for her roles in Educating Rita, Calendar Girls, Mamma Mia!, Billy Elliott and the Harry Potter series and will be joined by other civic dignitaries.

The hospital trust was able to buy the state-of-the-art piece of equipment after a fundraising appeal reached its £500,000 target.

The tomosynthesis machine works by using a curved x-ray motion to build a three-dimensional picture of the breast tissue.

Studies have found the scan led to a 25 per cent increase in early cancer detection.

Traditional mammograms only offer a two dimensional view, meaning that abnormalities can be masked or missed, leading to a delayed diagnosis.

Tracey Irvine, clinical director of the trust’s breast unit, said: “Over 50,000 women are diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK every single year.

“We are making great advances in breast cancer treatment and our survival rates in Surrey are the best in the UK.

“Unfortunately not every woman will survive breast cancer, but we can always do more. The tomosynthesis machine will help give more women the very best chance of survival.

“The earlier we can detect her breast cancer, the better the chance we have of curing her with less invasive treatments.”

Sarah Welsby, Royal Surrey’s head of fundraising, added: “We are delighted to officially launch the tomosynthesis machine at Royal Surrey County Hospital.

“We have had a fantastic response to this appeal and I would like to personally thank all our donors and supporters who have helped us achieve our fundraising target. It’s a wonderful start to 2016.

“After reaching our target a fund has been set up for the breast unit for those who wish to continue to support their work. All donations will continue to be greatly received.”

Contact the fundraising team at the Royal Surrey on (01483) 464146 or email [email protected]