Sir, – Having recently spent three days in the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, for a hip replacement I should like to express my gratitude through your newspaper for the excellent treatment I received.

The whole experience was of the highest standard of professionalism and care from beginning to end, everyone I met was kind, helpful and the other patients on the ward were such good company to be with.

Mealtimes were truly remarkable with lots of choice, the food was outstanding even though our appetites were a bit out of sync.

Thank you to all the team on Gara Ward for all the hard work and for making my weekend with you so enjoyable.

PETER SKILBECK

Great Broughton.