I would like to thank the Ledbury Licensed Victuallers' Association for its tremendous support and contribution towards the recent rock and roll evening in aid of Ledbury NHS Hospital Equipment appeal.

A thousand pounds was raised towards the purchase of electric lifting hoists for patients in the new NHS Hospital. Without the support of the LVA and the efforts of event organiser Andy Ward, together with Chris Smith and Mark Berry, this fantastic amount would not have been raised.

The total cost of the lifting equipment, slings and tracking is £32,000 and Ledbury firm Helping Hand, the suppliers, should be applauded for its corporate contribution of £16,000.

The evening was sponsored with the help of the LVA, together with Guiness UDV, with local contributions from Ledbury traders and shopkeepers.

We are still a long way from our goal of £150,000 but the appeal fund is growing and I can only thank the generosity of those who have donated and organised events for this important local appeal. There are many more events to come and I'm confident that the hospital will open in March with an enhanced level of equipment.

Spencer Lane, appeal co- ordinator, Bank Crescent, Ledbury.