AN appeal to refurbish Airedale Hospital's emergency department has received a £25,000 injection of funding.

The money has been donated by cash plan provider, Sovereign Health Care.

Airedale Hospital and Community Charity aims to raise £150,000 to upgrade the emergency department's paediatric resuscitation and waiting areas, and bereavement facilities.

Jodie Hearnshaw, charity manager, says: "In 2014 the doors opened to our new emergency department and since then over half a million people have visited.

"Like everything well used, it is starting to look a bit tired. We're raising funds to make a real difference to those visiting, providing added extras to help children and their families, as well as those recently bereaved."

Nicola Denbow, department matron, says: "This donation is a huge boost towards the £150,000 we're trying to raise, alongside the wonderful fundraising activities of Airedale Hospital and Community Charity and our local community."

Neil McCallum, chief executive of Sovereign Health Care, said the organisation was "delighted" to be able to support the appeal – and urged others to give their backing.

"We continually strive to ensure that we have an impact on the health and wellbeing of our communities," he added.

To donate to the appeal, visit justgiving.com/campaign/AiredaleED