STAFF at a Teesside hospital are on the crest of a wave, thanks to some fundraising sailors.

The crew of HMS Marlborough, Middlesbrough's adopted warship, raised £2,500 for the special baby unit at the town's James Cook University Hospital by running sponsored events on board ship while at sea.

Fundraisers included race nights and sweepstakes.

Crewman Philip Maw showed his stamina in an indoor rowing competition, rowing more than one million metres, over six months.

Clinical matron Alwyne Turnbull said: "We're very grateful to the crew of HMS Marlborough for this generous donation, which we plan to use to buy equipment to support our very tiny and sick newborn babies when they come to the neonatal unit.''

Chief Petty Officer Martin Pincher said: "We always enjoy our visits to the hospital, and it was great to be back again. We are humbled by the work the staff do, it is nothing short of amazing and they don't get enough credit in my eyes. I know a few grown men who felt a lump in their throats when they saw the tiny babies in their cots."