A HOSPITAL'S special care baby unit is more than £2,000 better off thanks to the efforts of staff from a specialist car firm.

They raised £2,020 for the unit at Northallerton's Friarage Hospital through sponsorship by joining in this year's Thirsk festival procession and taking part in a bed race.

Multidrive Limited, in Thirsk, decided to donate the money to the Friarage after the son of one member of staff was cared for in the unit.

Sister Janet Roy, from the baby unit, said: "A big thank you to everyone who took part. We are very grateful for the donation which will be used for the benefit of some of the hospital's youngest patients."