HOSPITAL fundraising campaigners are appealing for people to dig deep this Christmas to help them reach £2m for an MRI scanner.

Northallerton's Friarage Hospital is approaching its final stage in its fundraising goal and hopes to see the scanner become a reality with a Christmas raffle.

South Tees Hospitals Charity’s fundraising campaign in partnership with the Friends of the Friarage are organising a raffle with a top prize of a cat worth more then £12,000 - to be drawn on Friday, December 18.

One lucky person will win the Peugeot 208 - valued at £12,395 - which has multifunction colour touchscreen, air conditioning, 15” alloy wheels, front fog lights and blue tooth, and was provided by Simon Bailes Peugeot in Northallerton.

Bill Waters, 84, from Northallerton, has donated cash prizes of £200, £150 and £100.

Mr Waters said: "I wanted to do something to help my local hospital as a tribute to my wife as I know this is what she would have wanted. I hope people will buy tickets and help to boost the scanner appeal in its final weeks.”

Head of fundraising Paul Watkins said: “I’d really like to say a massive thank you to the local community who have got behind this appeal so far to bring this essential piece of medical equipment to Northallerton.

Tickets are available in the Friarage Hospital or on 01609-764936.