A health manager has praised a small band of charity workers for raising more than £10,000 for a hospital.

The Derwentside Hospital Group League of Friends raised the money to buy equipment for patients at Shotley Bridge Hospital. Their efforts earned the praise of chairman of the North Durham NHS Trust, Kevin Earley.

The volunteers for the Friends, who raised most of the money working at the tea and coffee bar at the hospital, usually donate the cash every year.

But this time they allowed the money to accumulate while the infirmary was transformed from a hospital for the acutely ill into a community based hospital. Mr Earley explained the Friends had been asked not to donate the money until the £7m worth of work to transform the hospital was under way.

He said: "As well as raising money for the patients they make the hospital a happier place. All I can say is we greatly appreciate them and all that they do."

The money was spent on equipment including an electric couch, folding wheelchair, armchairs, video recorder and various small items such as speaking clocks for the visually impaired.

Chairman of the charity Jo Shaw said: "It was a nice event when we handed over the equipment and some nice things were said, but really we're just happy to do our bit."

The Friends are looking for new volunteers. If you can help call Mrs Shaw on (01207) 560556.