A GROUP of friends have raised more than £2,000 to help provide better facilities at two County Durham hospitals.

The women, from the White Swan, in Evenwood, managed to raise £2,200 to help the Diabetes Laser Appeal at Bishop Auckland General Hospital and the Darlington Dialysis Unit, at the town's Memorial Hospital.

The funds were divided between the two causes, and were presented to hospital representatives at Evenwood Workmen's Club and Institute.

The fundraising drive was supported by Evenwood Social Club and regulars at the village's Bay Horse pub.

The ten women, who meet regularly in the White Swan pub, organised a live music event in the working men's club and held a table-top sale and raffle.

Diane Thompson, who is organising the diabetes laser appeal, and is a friend of the fundraising group, said: "My father was recently diagnosed as being diabetic and he is started dialysis, so my family decided to try to raise money for both of the hospitals, where he receives treatment.

"The girls from the White Swan have done really well to raise so much."