Lives of patients in hospital in Helston will be more comfortable thanks to almost £16,000 worth of new equipment.

Over the last 12 months the League of Friends of Helston Community Hospital has bought £15,863 of items, which have included ten new adjustable beds, 18 lockable bedside cabinets, a mobile hoist and a HydroTilt chair for people with a range of conditions from Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis to motor neurone disease and stroke patients.

The news was revealed when the League held its annual general meeting on Monday, which was supported by Helston's deputy mayor Tim Grattan-Kane and town councillor Ronnie Williams, as well as members of the Masonic True and Faithful Lodge.

Chairman Heather Gilbert thanked the committee for their hard work in raising the funds at events including the summer fete and a cream tea afternoon.

Guest speaker at the event was Stephanie Pomeroy from Sowenna in Bodmin. This is a new 14-bed NHS mental health hospital for young people aged between 13 and 18, with the Sowenna Appeal raising funds to provide facilities and equipment for the hospital.