POSTMAN David Raw wanted to do something special in tribute after his close friend and colleague Pete Harrison died.

He decided to raise cash by completing the Swaledale Marathon and his gruelling effort brought in £600.

Now, he's arranged for a bench in Mr Harrison's memory to be built and donated to the Rutson Hospital, Northallerton, where he spent the last few days of his life.

The cash also helped to buy five new portable televisions.

Liz Whelan, Mr Harrison's sister, said: "Pete loved watching Fred Dibnah on TV, and when he arrived at the Rutson, we couldn't find a television that could get BBC2.

"One of the nurses on the ward managed to find one and it was lovely that he was able to watch his favourite programme during the last days of his life.

"I would really like to thank the staff, plus all the people who donated sponsorship money, and to David for all his efforts raising the money and, of course, completing the marathon itself."

Mr Raw said: "I've taken part in the marathon for the last 20 years and thoroughly enjoyed it. But this year, I wanted to do something special in memory of Pete, so decided to get some sponsorship.

"People I met on my round were absolutely brilliant and so generous.

"We felt that it would be nice to have the bench built and donated to the Rutson so that patients there can enjoy the garden in the summertime."

Community hospital manager Judith Christofferson said: "I'm sure our patients will appreciate using the new bench when the weather is fine, and enjoy watching the television when it rains."