CRICKETING legend Sir Ian Botham got behind the wheel to drive home his support for a £2m hospital appeal for an MRI scanner.

The TV pundit and prodigious fundraiser officially launched a raffle to win a new car – the latest initiative to help charity campaigners nudge closer to their ambitious appeal target.

South Tees Hospitals Charity - in partnership with the Friends of the Friarage – is hoping to sell as many tickets as possible at £2 each with the chance to take home a Peugeot 208 worth £12,400.

Sir Ian said: “The Friarage is a great hospital and having their own MRI scanner would enable the clinical teams to provide diagnostic services closer to home, rather than patients having to travel further afield.”

Head of fundraising Paul Watkins said: “With Sir Ian’s support we hope to give the appeal that further push towards reaching our target. It’s a win-win really as one lucky person will also be going home with a brand new car, possibly for just £2.”

The car has been provided by Simon Bailes Peugeot in Northallerton, which will also be selling tickets.

Tickets are also on sale at the hospital on 01609-764936, Northallerton and District Volunteer Service Association on South Parade and at Northallerton Football Club.