AN AIREDALE Hospital charity has received £1,281 following the winding-up of a group earlier this year.

The cash was left in the coffers of Silsden Civic Society when it disbanded in April.

Friends of Airedale Hospital have been presented with the funds, which will be used to help maintain and upgrade the hospital's voluntary transport fleet.

The three cars and a people carrier are used to help patients, without their own vehicle, when referred to another hospital for further treatment.

Friends president, Eileen Proud, said: "Silsden Civic Society has staunchly supported Airedale Hospital over the years and we are very touched and honoured that it has made this donation as part of its final dispersal of funds.

"The money will help us improve our service to people who have no other means of getting to appointments in Leeds, Bradford and further afield.

"This is literally a lifeline for them."

Rodney Fall, former chairman of the civic society and a volunteer with the Friends, said: "It has been very sad to wind up the society but we have at least been able to do something tangible with our funds.

"It's good to know we can make a difference to people who are often on their own and unable to get to their hospital appointments."