Friends of Airedale have spent £34,000 on equipment to move patients more easily.

Most of the money has gone towards the purchase of two bariatric wheelchairs.

Chairman, Eileen Proud, said: “These motorised chairs are capable of transporting patients up to 40 stones in weight, helping to safeguard volunteers and staff from injury during movement.

“We have been training the porters and volunteers how to operate them, and we have also had a purpose-built storeroom constructed to protect them and keep the batteries charged.”

And the Friends have also bought a new hoist, which will safely handle patients up to 70 stones.