A FUNDRAISING dinner is being held by the Friends of the Friarage Hospital as part of a major campaign to raise £2m for a vital MRI scanner.

Richmond MP William Hague is adding his support to the appeal and will be giving a talk at the event about his experiences over the past 26 years as an MP and Foreign Secretary.

The dinner is being held on Saturday January 24 at the Golden Lion Hotel in Northallerton. Friends of the Friarage, chairman, Dr Upendra Somasundram, said: “We are very grateful to Mr Hague for agreeing to be our special guest and speaker, and for helping us.

“Having worked at the Friarage for nearly 25 years before my retirement, this is a good cause close to my heart. Public support is essential to make this a reality and I feel confident the Friarage has a major role to play providing healthcare for the local population in the future.”

The appeal which is also being supported by the South Tees Hospitals Charity and staff has already reached the £1m halfway mark and Mr Somasundram said they are determined to reach their target as quickly as possible. The dinner is one of the biggest events held so far, it will start at 6.30pm for 7.30pm and includes a three course dinner and auction of promises. Tickets are £50 each, call 01609 772875, 770779 or 770451 for information.