TAVISTOCK Hospital League of Friends was delighted to receive a cheque for £250 from Tavistock funeral directors Walter C Parson.

The company said it had chosen to support the hospital as it wished to help the whole community.

The League of Friends is a registered charity that was established for the comfort and care of those using the hospital's services.

Funeral director Emma Dobson said: 'Instead of giving Christmas cards we are trying to make a difference to worthwhile charities which have been squeezed by the economic climate, so we are hoping to give a little bit back to help children and people who are less fortunate than ourselves at Christmas time.

'I hope the donation will help with the funding of the new ward assessment and therapy unit, and that it will enable patients to gain sufficient confidence to be able to return to their homes more quickly.'

Jack McFadden, the treasurer of Tavistock Hospital League of Friends, said the contribution from Walter C Parson would be a significant help towards the costs involved.