ALMOST £3m has been raised for two hospitals in the region through fundraising and donations in the past year.

Glenys Marriott, chairwoman of the South Tees Hospital NHS Trust, which runs both the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough and Northallerton's Friarage Hospital, says she has been overwhelmed by the generosity of people.

She said: "Throughout the year many active groups of volunteers have continued to give their time and support to provide additional services for patients or to fund raise for various hospital departments.'' There was " a significant donation'' of more than £1m from The Friends of the Friarage and money from countless other charities supporting the trust including South Cleveland Heart Fund and The James Cook University Hospital Voluntary Services.

The trust also received a number of bequests totalling £98,000. A further £2,474,000 from charities went towards training courses, equipment and improving patient services.

Mrs Marriott said: "Patients and family, often due to their own personal experiences, also made very generous donations and I could not begin to single out the many charities which have supported both our hospitals for many years.

"On behalf of the board, staff and patients, I'd just like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the trust - the kindness and generosity of local people never ceases to amaze me."

According to South Tees Hospital's charitable funds annual report for 2006/07, £981,000 was donated to various wards and departments across both hospitals.

These included: Holistic cancer care, £107,141; Obstetrics, £60,107; Special care baby unit, £57,553; Cardiothoracic trust fund, £52,020; Breast care, £44,099; Orthopaedics, £40,288; Rheumatology, £32,000.