A collection of medical equipment worth £1,000 has been donated to Honiton Hospital.

The equipment was handed over to staff at the hospital by its League of Friends group.

Ali Collings, the matron from the hospital’s renal unit received a much-needed wide beam probe from Rosemary Sprigg.

The device makes it more comfortable for renal patients to be connected to their dialysis machines.

Claire Clark, senior audiologist, also received two storage trollies from Paul Barrows.

The equipment will be used to assist the work of the audiology clinics at the hospital.

At a recent committee meeting, League of Friends members unanimously voted to support the campaign to bring public access defibrillators to Honiton and the surrounding villages.

As reported in last week’s Herald, town councillor Caroline Kolek and other community members are spearheading a £5,000 fundraising drive to bring the life-saving kit to Honiton.

The League have since offered £1,800 towards the fund.

Heather Penwarden, chairman of the Friends group, said: “We are delighted to be able to help out with providing extra equipment for all departments working from Honiton Hospital.

“While we were of course very sad to lose our medical beds this year, as a charity, we continue to work hard to ensure our hospital remains a busy, active and vibrant healthcare resource for the people of our community.

“Our board of trustees has been looking long and hard at the role the League of Friends has to play in supporting health and wellbeing not only in the hospital departments but in our community teams and also the wider community.

“We will be laying out some exciting new plans for the future at our annual general meeting, which will be held in the physiotherapy department on Tuesday, May 22 at 6pm.

“This is an open meeting so all are welcome to attend.”

The group is also putting on a fundraiser in Honiton at the weekend.

A quiz will be held at Honiton Conservative Club at 8pm on Saturday (April 14).

Teams of up to six at £2.50 per person can book a table from Linda Dunn on 01404 43219.