A GROUP set up to help fund a hospital and community health facilities has celebrated its 60th anniversary with a tea party attended by trustees and civic dignitaries.

The Friends of the Friarage was set up in January 1957, initially as the League of Friends of the Friarage Hospital, Northallerton, and in its 60 years has donated more than £5m for equipment at the hospital and throughout Hambleton and Richmondshire.

Significant contributions include £1m for CT scanning facilities in 1995; £700,000 for a paediatric department in 2000; and more than £500,000 has already been raised towards an MRI scanner appeal.

Chairman of the Friends, Dr Upendra Somasundram, said the party in the hospital was an opportunity to thank everyone who has fundraised over the years.

The event was attended by Rishi Sunak MP, his predecessor Lord William Hague, Baroness Angela Harris, as well as mayors from Northallerton, Richmond and Bedale, and leader of Richmondshire District Council, Cllr Yvonne Peacock.

The business community was represented by Charles Barker of Barkers store in Northallerton and George and Greta Crow, owners of The Golden Lion hotel, Northallerton. All members of the Friends were present.

The Acting Chairman of South Tees Acute Foundation Health Trust, Mrs Amanda Hullick , thanked the Friends for their contribution over the years and presented a plaque to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the charity.