ONE volunteer group who are proving 'friends indeed' are those from the Friends of Okehampton Community Hospital — they had a stand at the show to meet the public.

The friends have raised a tremendous amount and proved a real 'shot in the arm' in helping the local hospital. Their efforts have meant the community hospital this year alone has been able to buy vital equipment.

This includes a sensor falls mat for £593, an INR machine to record Warfarin levels for £750, a vital signs machine, which measures blood pressure, pulse, temperature and oxygen levels for £1,000 in addition to two portable oxygen condensers to aid breathing.

Helene Williams, the friends' treasurer, said: 'Donations are always welcome for new equipment. Lately we have benefitted from many generous donations from people who have died at the hospital. We have many letters from their relatives, pleased with the care their loved ones received at the hospital and wished to express their support for the quality of the service.'