CARING companies have given a double boost to Airedale Hospital.

Property firm ALB Investments donated a bumper bundle of Christmas gifts to the children's ward.

And mortgage servicing company Computershare has presented a £2,300-plus cheque to the Haematology and Oncology Day Unit (HODU).

ALB Investments has given presents worth a total of £20,000 to several hospital children's wards and units, including Airedale.

The haul included a sensory rainbow sound and light ball, pool and football tables, DVDs and computer games.

Managing director Arran Bailey and several colleagues delivered the gifts.

"After the success of a pledge last year with children's hospitals I knew it was something I wanted to do again," said Mr Bailey.

"ALB gets involved with lots of charity and community projects, but with this one involving sick children it is something very close to my heart and I wanted to extend it to Keighley."

The company has been involved in the large-scale renovation of the town's Parkwood Rise tower blocks, featuring 190 one-bedroom and two-bedroom high-specification apartments.

Meanwhile Computershare raised £2,353 for HODU, thanks to the efforts of employees Lauren John and Katie Wilson.

They were spurred into action following the death of a colleague, after a long battle against cancer. She had received treatment at HODU.

The duo staged a fundraising day at Computershare's Crossflatts office.

It included a raffle, with prizes donated by other businesses in the area.

Lauren said: "Our colleague spent a lot of time on HODU and spoke very highly of the unit and the staff, so we thought it was important to give something back.

"Many local businesses were really supportive of the cause and donated generously, which helped to raise more than we ever expected."

Katie added: "We know that our colleague would be really proud of everyone's efforts and pleased to see the money help others."

Tribute is paid to their fundraising by HODU manager, Gina Thompson.

She added: "This money will enable us to buy furniture and a new treatment chair to give us more space to treat patients.

"We are so grateful for kind donations we receive, as they make a real difference to the patients that we look after."