THE pupils of a nurse who teaches martial arts have raised money for equipment for the hospital department in which she works.

Staff nurse Elaine Mason, who works at Middlesborough General Hospital's accident and emergency department, runs Acklam Antei Karate Club, teaching children and adults wadoryu, a traditional martial art.

Now, 20 of her pupils have taken part in a karateathon, raising £400 to buy a projector for her department.

Six pupils, aged between seven and 11, visited the department yesterday to see the projector.

"We wanted to get a projector for the children's area and are really grateful for the money raised," said Ms Mason.

"It's great distraction therapy when children are distressed or in pain as the images projected onto the wall help to take their mind off things, plus it also helps to create a nicer environment."

The club is based at Acklam Sports Centre, in Hall Drive.