STAFF at a hospital unit which provides a range of services for children and young people are fundraising to make the centre a more welcoming and inviting place.

The Specialist Children's Services team, which works with youngsters from across Hambleton and Richmondshire, are aiming to raise £3,500 to make the Child Development Centre, in Northallerton, more welcoming.

The NHS centre, in a former three-bedroom house in Brompton Road, is working with Rural Arts, in Thirsk, to create artwork at the entrance and along corridors and to redesign a tired wall mural.

Consultant paediatrician Dr Maggie Willox said the revamp would make patients and their families, who often are under a lot of stress, feel valued.

She added: "A hospital or clinical setting can often have unhappy or painful associations for some of our children and young people because of previous operations and procedures.

"Some of our children and young people use wheelchairs and walking frames and it important that there is an appealing decor at their eye level."

Following a series of events, including a cake stall and a raffle, and donations the appeal total stands at more than £2,200.

Numerous events, including a sponsored skydive, are planned for the coming months, ahead of the revamp starting in the summer.

For details or to donate, call 01609-780471.