YOUNGSTERS can enjoy the latest films during hospital stays thanks to the help of footballers.

Money that has been raised by the Bishop Auckland Lady Eden Youth Cup has helped to buy two 14in televisions with built-in digital videodisc (DVD) players and 15 of the latest films on DVD for the children's ward at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

The competition, organised by the Auckland Youth League, was set up in 1910 to raise money for the Lady Eden Hospital and has since raised hundreds of pounds for the comfort of patients.

Robert Farms, secretary of the Auckland Youth League, said: "We are pleased to be able to do things like this. And we are pleased that the money can go to what we consider a good cause.''

This year, the competition raised £385, and the Asda store in Bishop Auckland boosted the total to £470 to buy the TVs and DVDs.

Asda home and leisure manager Stephen White said: "When Robert contacted us to see if we would help we were only too happy to put the money towards it because it is such a worthwhile cause.''

Senior nurse on the ward Catherine Hodgkiss said the children were thrilled with the gifts.

She said: "We are all absolutely thrilled. It is a fantastic contribution for the children and it will be well used and well appreciated.''