LEADER of the CASIM project Professor Peter Weightman of Liverpool University said it would attract scientists and interest world-wide, make a case for future funding, create spin offs for industry and lead to many new things. "We are very delighted," he said.

Professor Weightman has led a group of 300 scientists, many of them at Daresbury, plus medical people who have lobbied for CASIM for a year.

He said that after the Diamond project went south, there was annoyance. "It fired people up. I am very proud of all the people who have put this case together. It involves the health service and the science base. They have been separate up to now and what is unique in CASIM is that we have put them together."

Professor Weightman said that plans for CASIM are well on: "We were ready to go when we put the proposal in."

Details of funding, design of scientific instruments, accommodation at Daresbury and setting up links with hospitals and companies will all be factors that come on board as CASIM develops.

Scientists who campaigned have all welcomed the announcement.

Peter Butler, a professor of physics at Liverpool University, who galvanised support for CASIM from nuclear physics groups and companies all over the UK, said he was absolutely delighted. News of the projects, he said, looked "extremely positive and everybody is pretty optimistic."

Another campaigner, Professor John Dainton, also at Liverpool, said he looked forward to the outcome of the scientific review process for the CASIM project with "great anticipation and enthusiasm. We will have then secured this amazing and fascinating project as part of the north west science base. That is indeed a triumph and a great challenge for years to come."

Dr Tim Greenshaw, director of research courses at Liverpool University, who had the original idea for a centre for accelerator science, imaging and medicine, said: "I am extremely pleased that the government has recognised the signifiance of CASIM. It is a unique collaboration between doctors in the north west's hospitals and scientists in the region's universities." He said the research councils and the NHS would have to learn how to work together and contacts with industry had to be developed. "We have to ensure that we maintain the fantastic team spirit evident during the work on the CASIM proposal. The next few years will be an exciting time for many of us in the north west."

Stephen Byers' announcement included the establishment of a public private partnership between Daresbury and industry.

Professor Bob Cernik, director of physical sciences at Daresbury and a member of the North West Science and Daresbury Development Group, which recommended CASIM, said: "I am delighted that Daresbury has a long term future as a centre of scientific excellence. We must consolidate our position to convince potential investors that the north west, Warrington and Halton is the first choice for major new investment.The announcement is just the beginning for a major collaboration that could become a model for the rest of the English regions."