A LIFE-SAVING machine which is as small as a laptop computer has been bought for heart and stroke patients at Bishop Auckland General Hospital.

Supporters of the British Heart Foundation, including people who took part in the Great North Walk, contributed £30,000 towards a £58,000 portable ultrasound and carotid probe system.

Bert Gibson, a member of the charity's Bishop Auckland committee, handed over the equipment this week to specialist Dr Ali Mehrzad and hospital trust chief executive John Saxby.

The balance of the cost came from Dr Mehrzad's stroke charity fund at the hospital.

He said: "It is a phenomenal machine.

"Although it is compact it is as good as the best machine you can buy.

"The beauty is that it can be taken to patients who are too ill to move, such as stroke victims who are paralysed or heart patients in intensive care.

"As well as giving a very clear picture of the heart, it can help prevent strokes by detecting carotid artery problems.

"It is the fourth machine which has been bought for the hospital and they are all invaluable."

Mr Gibson said: "The great thing is that money raised in this area is being spent helping local patients.

"Having a portable machine like this must mean a lot less stress for patients."