YORKSHIRE CND today welcomed news of a probe into whether cancer rates are any higher among people living near RAF Fylingdales.

The Evening Press exclusively revealed on Tuesday how Scarborough, Whitby and Ryedale Primary Care Trust had launched an epidemiological study, comparing deaths by cancer in the area near the early warning station during the 1990s with average figures for the whole country.

The Trust reiterated today that no concerns had been expressed about cancer rates by local doctors or consultants; clinicians had not observed any changes in the frequency of diagnosis of various cancers.

It said the study had instead been launched in response to requests from the RAF base, local authorities and MPs, who had said it would allay public concerns.

CND, which has a long-running campaign against the base and its role in America's Son of Star Wars missile defence plans, and is planning to visit the inside of the base tonight, says it has raised serious concerns about both the levels of radiation and the limits set by the government.

Spokesman Neil Kingsnorth said: "This investigation is excellent news and we're glad that the Care Trust has put the interests of local people first.

"We would like to see a full investigation in to radiation levels at present, levels as they will be when the base takes part in missile defence procedures and an independent test of the National Radiological Protection Board's limits.

"We would also like to see a full probe into the health effects of this radiation - not just cancer rates, but all potential risks.

"This cancer probe is very welcome and we hope it is start of a wider investigation."

Updated: 10:49 Thursday, October 02, 2003