A FUNDRAISING appeal aiming to bring the latest state-of-the-art MRI scanning technology to two County Durham hospitals has received a four-figure Christmas boost from a regional employer.

The official charity of County Durham & Darlington NHS Foundation Trust launched the appeal in February to pay for new scanners to be installed at Darlington Memorial and Bishop Auckland Hospitals which will provide much improved images and a better experience for patients.

More than £120,000 has been raised and now property and energy firm The Banks Group has added a further £5,000 to the total with a donation from the Banks Community Fund.

Mark Dowdall of The Banks Group said: “We’re very pleased to be supporting the scanner appeal, and would urge other businesses in the region to get behind it.”