A weekly newspaper which launched a £750,000 fundraising appeal for a new MRI scanner has hit its target in less than nine months.

The Mansfield Chad launched its major appeal last June for the new scanner at King’s Mill Hospital, which would allow it to diagnose illnesses quicker.

The hospital has now taken delivery of the state-of-the-art scanner after the mammoth fundraising drive gained support from local businesses, readers and organisations.

Journalists at the paper also helped raise funds, with reporter Catherine Allen raising £575 after completing the Robin Hood Marathon and more than £450 being raised after journalists Helen Beighton, James Savage and Stephen Thirkill took park in a charity spin-a-thon.

The Johnston Press title also donated 3p from each copy of the 15 August edition that were sold.

Chad editor Tracy Powell said: “It shows just what can be achieved when the community comes together. The spirit shown by everyone to make this appeal possible has been fantastic.

“We are absolutely delighted that we have achieved our target after just eight months and everyone who made this possible deserves tremendous credit.”

Stephen, who has led the paper’s campaign, tweeted: “I’m delighted to say Chad News’ MRI Scanner Appeal has now come to a successful end. We’ve raised the £750,000 in just eight months.”

It reached the fundraising target after a generous local businessman, who wanted to remain anonymous, handed over £250,000 to the appeal.

The scanner will allow doctors to treat more people and offer safer, faster and more detailed diagnosis to thousands of patients each year.