World champion triathlete Jonny Brownlee has formally opened Airedale Hospital's new Emergency Department.

His visit on Tuesday (May 12) also celebrated the hospital's success in raising the £100,000 target for its Emergency Department Appeal.

A group of at least 25 staff, sponsors, hospital bosses and other guests gathered in the department's lobby at midday on Tuesday, where Mr Brownlee cut the ribbon.

One wall of the lobby has been decorated with a mural showing a bike leaning against a tree. The tree's leaves feature the names of many of the families, individuals and organisations which contributed towards the £100,000.

Mr Brownlee, 25, lives in Bramhope. He is 2012 Triathlon World Champion and Olympic Triathlon Bronze medallist.

He was educated at Bradford Grammar School before attending the University of Leeds, and is a member of the Bingley Harriers.

Commenting during the department launch he said: "Normally when I come somewhere like this it's because I've been injured, so hopefully I won't be back anytime soon!

"I've been to Airedale before when I broke my finger playing cricket many years ago. When I go cycling in this area it's good to know there's now a facility like this here.

"It's not somewhere you'd want to be of course, but if you could choose a place to be treated you'd choose a place like this.

"I do a lot of racing all over the world, so it's great to support a cause which is local.

"It's an honour to be here. And the fact that £100,000 has been raised is an incredible achievement."

Meg Crossley, Airedale's consultant in emergency medicine and project lead said: “Our Emergency Department Appeal was launched just over a year ago and we have had tremendous support from our local community”

“We're delighted to have achieved our target of £100,000 within such a short space of time thanks to the generosity of local people, businesses and our own staff, who have given donations and spent time organising a whole host of activities to help boost our funds.

“We're very grateful for the help of our sponsors who backed the appeal from the start – but also to all the others who came on board throughout the year to make sure that we have an emergency department that really is fit for the 21st century.”

Bridget Fletcher, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Our new Emergency Department has been a fantastic achievement and we are delighted that Jonny could join us as a special guest.

“I'd like to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors, the businesses, members of the community, families and our staff who've supported our appeal so generously.”

The funds have been used to enhance the ultra-modern department, providing devices such as distraction walls, an interactive floor for the children’s waiting area, "sky ceilings", equipment and facilities to help patients with dementia and cardiac monitors for the general assessment areas.