PROTECTION has been given to the stained glass windows at Airedale Hospital's chapel – thanks to funding from a charity.

The Friends of Airedale have paid for a plastic coating to be added to the windows, which were installed when the chapel was dedicated in 1969.

"The windows had been deteriorating due to the weather and recent vandalism," said Ron Mulligan, head of chaplaincy at Airedale NHS Foundation Trust.

"But now, thanks to the very generous support of the Friends, they are protected from the elements and preserved for the future."

The multi-denominational chapel is open 24 hours a day, offering a quiet space for prayer and reflection.

It's used by staff, patients and the public.

Friends president, Eileen Proud, said the charity was delighted to support the project.

"The windows were beginning to deteriorate but now that the work has been done and the lead cleaned they are looking absolutely stunning," she added.

"We feel very fortunate to have the chapel."

The hospital's chaplaincy service is staffed by a team of chaplains and Urdu and Punjabi-speaking pastoral workers, of various faiths and denominations.

The trust also has the Scarborough Room, a quiet non-faith space adjacent to the chapel, and a Muslim prayer room.