SUPPORTERS of a North-East charity have purchased 3D distraction goggles worth £7,000 to make children's stay in hospital more bearable.

Members of local registered charity, Free from Pain, have donated the funds to enable the women and children's division at James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough to buy the equipment for use on the children's wards.

The equipment is already proving very popular with the young patients as there are a variety of short 3D programmes available. The features range from exciting rollercoaster rides to calm underwater fish scenes and winter wonderlands.

Staff have noticed how the children appear more relaxed and less conscious of their discomforts when they are enthralled by the programmes on the 3D distraction equipment.

Staff from the women and children's division thanked the Free from Pain group, saying it is in constant use and well appreciated by all who use it.

Free from Pain chairman Ron Gordon, whose daughter-in-law Shelly Gordon raised £1,200 of the £7,000 total by completing a gruelling 113-mile run in 24 hours, said a massive thank you to everyone who helped raise the funds, including Tesco and Strikes.