KIND-HEARTED newly-weds Bob and Caroline Stirling used their nuptials to raise more than £2,000 for a North-East hospital.

The pair asked wedding guests for donations instead of presents and the money went to the cardiothoracic unit at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

The couple, from Billingham, Teesside, decided to make the gesture as a thank-you to the unit for looking after Bob's mother for five months when she underwent heart surgery last year.

Dr Michael Stewart, consultant cardiologist at the unit, said: "We would like to say how delighted we are that the Stirling family thought so highly of the care provided to make such a wonderful donation.

"It was a very thoughtful gesture for Bob and Caroline to give up their wedding gifts to help us, and we will put the money to good use in helping to make future heart patients' stay in hospital more comfortable.

"We wish them all the very best for the future."

Bob's mother, Brenda, said: "A very big thank-you goes to all the staff, from all the family, for all the excellent care and kindness during my stay in hospital."