A SMALL band of hospital Friends, who are continually striving to provide extras for patients' comfort, has been left a "wonderful" legacy of £112,000.

The money, which could rise slightly when the estate is finally settled, was left to the Friends of Richardson Hospital in Barnard Castle by Teesdale resident Ethel Brown.

Mrs Brown, who was in her nineties, lived at Thirnbank in the centre of Ingleton until her death last July. She was a widow with no immediate family. She lived in the village for more than 35 years after moving to the dale from Lincolnshire.

A member of the WI and St John's Church in Ingleton, Mrs Brown was also a generous supporter of the village hall.

The chairman of the Richardson Friends, Iris Hillery, said they were delighted with the legacy, which was so welcome at a time when the hospital was undergoing a £6.5m re-build.

"It's marvellous news when we are anticipating the new hospital requesting a lot of equipment that is over and above the basics that the NHS budget will provide," she said. "We have had substantial legacies in the past, but this is the largest since the millennium."

Although delighted, Ms Hillery stressed that fundraising would continue, the next event being a table top sale at the Witham Hall tomorrow.

The Friends, who held their annual meeting on Wednesday, are always looking for new blood to join the committee or to help with fundraising ideas.

Ms Hillery also has collection boxes available for display in shops. She can be contacted on 01833 690860.