A HOSPITAL baby unit is looking forward to buying specialist equipment thanks to the fundraising efforts of one man.

For the past nine years, Kevin Cook, of Naylor Road, Sedgefield, has dressed as Santa to raise money for the University Hospital of North Tees neonatal unit, in Stockton.

Last night, he presented a £2,820 cheque to staff nurse Irene Berry - the sum raised during last year's efforts, which included bag packing at the village's Co-op store and collections in shops and pubs.

Mr Cook, 44, adopted the ward as his chosen charity after seeing the dedication of staff who cared for a friend's premature baby. He said: "It is such a good cause I keep supporting it. People in the village look forward to seeing me about the village dressed as Santa and I have to thank them for their generosity.

"I have had a heart attack, have diabetes and have epileptic fits, so I could have chosen a health charity, but when I go to visit the baby unit at North Tees it reminds me how important it is and I want to keep helping."

Mrs Berry said: "We are extremely grateful for this money, it will go towards new equipment for the ward. Every year, the amount Kevin raises increases and we thank him and the people of Sedgefield for their support."