HEALTH bosses in Harrogate have decided to put practicality first when it comes to uniforms.

All 400 members of the nursing staff at Harrogate District Hospital have been allowed to mix and match from a number of styles displayed at a series of fashion shows.

As a result, it is hoped their work clothes will better match their roles.

While the decision may have been welcomed by most, it has meant a busy few months for sewing room ladies Hazel Butcher and Judy Drinkel.

After questioning each member of staff to establish their preferences, the duo got to work measuring them and altering their chosen garments.

Even though they started the process in December, they do not expect to finish until well into the spring.

However, once the uniforms wear out, replacing them should not be too time-consuming - records are being kept of the measurements of each member of staff so their clothes can be renewed individually.

"This is a big job that has run very smoothly indeed thanks to the efforts of all involved," said assistant head of hotel services at the hospital, Stuart Kelly.

"Hazel and Judy are working at top speed on their trusty sewing machines to get a professional job done in record time; they truly are stitching superstars."