LADIES lunched in style in aid of a community hospital today (Friday).

More than 120 women attended the Friends of the Weardale Community Hospital’s annual ladies lunch at Wolsingham Showground in aid of the Stanhope-based hospital.

The luncheon, which is now in its sixth year, is a key fundraising event on the calendar of the group and is held courtesy of the Wolsingham Show Committee.

This year's diners had a special surprise visitor as the Friends organised for the Lord Lieutenant of County Durham, Sue Snowdon, to be guest speaker.

Friends chairwoman and Durham County Councillor for Weardale, Anita Savory, said the event was becoming more and more popular and had become a great way to kick off Wolsingham Show which takes place this weekend.

She said: “We are raising funds to purchase medical equipment and improve patients’ comfort during their stay at the hospital.”

She added: “When ladies buy their tickets they don’t know what the entertainment is so they are always in awe of what is happening but it’s a lovely, social afternoon."

Ladies enjoyed a three course meal from Ramside Catering before Mrs Snowdon gave her speech.

Cllr Savory said the Friends were grateful for all funds raised.

Mrs Snowdon said: “I was delighted to be able to show my support to the Friends of Weardale Community Hospital who are a dedicated, committed and enthusiastic group of people who work tirelessly to raise funds to support the valuable work of the Weardale Community Hospital.”