AN appeal has been launched to raise £35,000 to buy sight-saving equipment for diabetics.

Northallerton and District Diabetic Club is raising the cash to buy a new retinal camera for the diabetes clinic at the Friarage Hospital.

The camera takes images of the retina to check whether diabetes has led to any deterioration in a patient's eyesight. The images can be downloaded on to a computer, which reads the information and compares it to previous images.

The clinic already has a camera but it is not compatible with computer technology.

A number of fundraising events have been planned, including a concert by Northallerton Male Voice Choir in the community centre on May 18. Tickets are £4, £3 for concessions. For tickets or appeal details, call club secretary Stella Kilvington on (01609) 770340.