SOPHIE Countess of Wessex has been at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital this morning (Tuesday).

The wife of the Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, the Countess was there in her capacity of Royal patron of Love Musgrove's MRI Million appeal.

Love Musgrove is the hospital's official charity and is currently fundraising for a much-needed third MRI scanner at Musgrove.

Almost £700,000 has already been raised towards the campaign thanks to the generosity of people across Somerset - one couple anonymously presented the appeal with a cheque for £10,000.

The Countess was given a tour of the radiology department and met some of the staff.

She spoke with Liz Ladd, head of imaging, James Gagg, lead consultant of A&E and Joanna Brown, a consultant in radiology.

Colin Drummond, the hospital's chairman, said: "It is an honour to have the Countess of Wessex as our Royal patron for this vital campaign and we are delighted to have her support.

"Her Royal Highness is a long standing charitable supporter and her role with Love Musgrove will help to highlight our £1 million campaign and give us the boost needed to help us achieve our target."

The Countess landed by helicopter in the grounds of Queen’s College before being driven to Musgrove and then on to a reception at the Cooper Associates County Ground.

When she returned to Queen’s, she was greeted by Year 3 pupils accompanied by Junior School head teacher Tracey Khodabandehloo.

The Countess was presented with a posy of flowers by Thomas Taylor and spent several minutes chatting with the children.