Richmond MP William Hague has visited the Friary Hospital, in Richmond, to unveil a new television system for patients, donated by the Friends of the Friary Hospital.

Mr Hague met with members of the group and staff from the hospital at the launch of the new system, which is free for patients to use during their stay.

He said: "It’s a tremendous contribution by the local community – one of the great things about the Friary Hospital is that they are helped out so much by ordinary people who really make a difference .

"Efforts like this are evidence of how much people value this excellent facility."

The Airwave system is a free-to-use service with adjustable, individual television sets that hang over each bed.

The whole hospital, which has 18 beds, has been wired up to the new system.

The Chairwoman of the Friends of the Friary Hospital, Margaret Clayson, said: "We weren’t prepared to put in a system that patients had to pay for because that isn’t fair while someone is ill.

"We considered what the hospital needed and what patients might want to make their stay more comfortable and this was suggested by a committee member.

"It’s a wonderful hospital, with excellent nurses, and we wanted to draw attention to that fact today."

The Friends raised the money for the new system with street collections, an art exhibition and fundraising events, including a cheese and wine evening.