THE future is bright for medical genetics in the North-East, according to an expert.

Professor John Burn delivered an upbeat message as his team moved into impressive new premises in the International Centre for Life in Newcastle.

In the past few days, his team of genetic scientists has transferred from a variety of sites at Newcastle University's Medical School to the building near the city's railway station.

The custom-built unit, alongside Newcastle University's Institute of Human Genetics, was paid for by the Imperial Cancer Research Fund (ICRF).

"This is an important step forward for us. Along with the development of an institute of oncology at Newcastle, which is being planned, this move and the funding we have secured gives us a much higher profile in cancer research," said Prof Burn, who is one of the world's leading medical geneticists.

The next step is preparing a bid for Government funds which could establish a new Knowledge Park in the region.

The ICRF is funding the clinical cancer genetics network, which is being managed by Prof Burn from the network's Newcastle base.

It links research teams at seven centres around the country, including Oxford, London and Southampton, who are investigating ways of preventing an inherited form of bowel cancer.

Apart from paying for administrative space at the unit, the ICRF has also helped equip the unit and is paying the salaries of scientists.

Prof Burn will join about 600 ICRF supporters taking part in the Great North Run tomorrow.

Today, he will host a reception at the unit for ICRF runners, including former cancer patient Andrew Shippey, 23, from Otley, West Yorkshire, who will raise £365,000 if he finishes the half-marathon