DIABETICS in Bishop Auckland and Darlington will benefit from a musical tribute to a singer who died last year.
Syd Lawson, from Shildon, sang with Bishop Auckland's choral and musical societies, as well as Darlington Choral Society.
Last month, his former colleagues commemorated Mr Lawson's life with a concert at Auckland Castle featuring well known musicians, including Gordon Dixon.
More than £1,200 was raised, at the concert for Bishop Auckland General Hospital's diabetic eye laser appeal.
Mr Lawson suffered from diabetes.
The sum has helped the hospital reach its £35,000 target, and the equipment can now be installed at the hospital under construction in Bishop Auckland.
It is estimated that a quarter of all diabetics will need laser therapy at some point in their lives.
At present, patients from Bishop Auckland must travel to Darlington Memorial Hospital for treatment. The new eye laser should cut waiting times.
Dr Alan McCulloch, a consultant in diabetic medicine, said: "Laser therapy is very good at preserving vision. The machine is being trialed and tested at the moment, and now we have somewhere to house it."
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