THE League of Friends for Derwentside Community Hospitals has presented staff at Shotley Bridge Hospital with £10,000 worth of equipment.

League members, led by chairwoman Liz Giles, presented the bladder scanner to acting clinical services manager Debra Butler.

Ms Butler said: "We would like to thank the ladies involved for the fundraising, which has enabled us to buy this bladder scanner.

"It will mean we will be able to scan patients without using invasive techniques, so it is a very valuable piece of equipment."

The league, which has 150 members and runs a tea bar at the hospital, holds fundraising events all year.

During the past 12 months, the friends have given £1,000 to the St John Ambulance group to go towards a new ambulance.

A further £695 has been used to buy equipment for the cardiac rehabilitation unit that covers the Derwentside area, and £1,000 has been used to get equipment for the hospital's psychiatric unit, including a DVD player.

Ms Giles said: "As a friend, you can make a difference to people's lives, which is very satisfying."

The group is looking for new members, particularly younger people and those with business and computing skills. To help, call Ms Giles on (01207) 283767.