A HI-TECH laser - the first of its kind in the region – will offer advanced treatment for patients having surgery at one of North Yorkshire’s major hospitals.

The high-power Holmium laser, which cost some £153,000, allows consultants at he Friarage Hospital in Northallerton to carry out laser prostate surgery.

It will also be used to treat certain tumours as well as treating urinary stones, and strictures.

The equipment – provided thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Friends of the Friarage volunteers - will significantly enhance the service provided to urological patients.

Holmium laser prostate surgery is safe and effective, has fewer complications than other procedures and is more cost-effective than existing surgical techniques in use at the moment.

Prostate glands of any size can be treated without needing to make an incision and there is minimal pain after the operation, reducing hospital stay and allowing quicker recovery, with patients returning to normal activity usually within a week.

Consultant urologist Alaiyi West said: "We can treat many more patients with this laser - it has long-lasting results and reduces the need for more complex surgery.

"We are very grateful to the Friends for this fantastic donation and making it possible."

Hospital manager Richard Clayton added: "I am constantly impressed by the pride, passion and effort everyone has put into raising this huge amount.

"It really is amazing the support received from local people for the hospital and I would like to thank the Friends for their magnificent efforts on our behalf and everyone who supported them."

Prostate surgery may be needed when non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate occurs, causing obstruction of urine flow, and troublesome urinary symptoms in men.

Through an operating telescope, doctors will use the state-of-the-art laser as a precise cutting tool to separate the obstructing prostate tissue from its surrounding capsule and push it in large chunks into the bladder.

The laser instantly vaporises the tissues, as well as sealing the area, eliminating any bleeding. An instrument is then used through the telescope to remove the prostate tissue from the bladder.

Large bladder stones can also be treated at the same time using the same laser.