A cheque for £1,100 was presented to the Friends of the Friarage at the launch event for the charity's £200,000 eye surgery appeal.

The funding, from the Rotary Club of Northallerton, was handed over by club president Emma Biggs.

The Rotary Club has for many years supported the charity, with Friends trustee Lyn Proud also being a club member.

The money donated was raised from the Rotary Club's Charter Night black tie dinner and a Christmas extravaganza evening in the Golden Lion Hotel, Northallerton.

At last Wednesday's launch evening, consultants described the benefits of offering the latest eye surgery techniques at the Friarage Hospital, including cutting down on journey times for patients in Hambleton and Richmondshire, who at present have to travel to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, for treatment.

Darlington and Stockton Times: Emma Biggs (centre) presents the cheque to Susan Watson and Dr Anthony Walters, co-chairs of the

The Friends of the Friarage aim to provide £200,000 for state-of-the art surgical equipment in time for the opening of the hospital's new surgical hub in April 2025.

Read more: Appeal launch told of patients benefits of bringing eye surgery to Friarage

Emma said: "I am so proud that our Rotary Club of Northallerton has once again given significant funding support to the Friends of the Friarage.

"The Friends have raised amazing amounts of money over the years and have helped provide equipment and facilities for this vital and much-loved hospital. The Friarage Hospital is the core of local healthcare, and means so much to us all.

"As our Rotary International organisation celebrated its 119th birthday on February 23, it is good to know that locally we can contribute positively to the community in this way."

More information about the Eye Appeal is available at www.friendsofthefriarage.org.uk/EyeAppeal2024 or email hello@friendsofthefriarage.org.uk. To donate to the appeal, see the JustGiving page www.justgiving.com/campaign/EyeAppeal2024. The charity can also be contacted by telephone on 01609 762013.