A TEAM of volunteers has taken over its new shop at one of the region's leading hospitals.

The outlet at the Friarage Hospital, in Northallerton, was officially opened yesterday by the chairwoman of the South Tees Hospitals NHS Trust, Glenys Marriott.

The new shop, behind the hospital's main entrance, is the first part of the complex's £21m redevelopment scheme and the Friends of the Friarage, who run the outlet, are the first to move in.

Staffed by volunteers, the shop means patients, staff and visitors can buy snacks, drinks, papers and other items when visiting the hospital.

Mrs Marriott said: "The Friends are an important and much appreciated part of the hospital team and have tirelessly helped staff and patients over the years with their incredibly successful fundraising, supporting wards and departments at the hospital.

"It seems incredibly fitting and appropriate they are the first to move into more modern facilities as part of the redevelopment."

* Meanwhile, a special care baby unit is marking its own coming-of-age by holding a special reunion.

The unit at the Friarage Hospital was opened 18 years ago, and staff want to reunite those who have been looked after there.

They are inviting anyone who has been cared for on the unit over the years to drop in to the hospital's recreation hall between noon and 5pm, on March 19. Staff past and present will be there

Anyone planning to go along is asked to let the unit know so staff can get an idea of numbers. Contact (01609) 763090 or 703089.