AN OTLEY-BASED campaign to help hospital patients is celebrating a ‘fabulous’ 2018.

Hug on a Tray, run by Chevin Socialites, provides free drinks, snacks and TV for cancer patients and visitors in the Bexley Wing of St James’ Hospital.

Organiser Lesley Noble says she has been bowled over by the community support the scheme - which is backed by Yorkshire Tea producers Taylors of Harrogate - has received.

She said: “We’ve got a real following of people in Otley now and this year has been fabulous. Patients and their families have been telling us how much it means just to be greeted with a smile and given something.

“We’ve also won £500 from Skipton Building Society’s Grassroots Giving scheme which will help cover the TV costs.”

On Thursday, December 20 the group will hold a party night at Otley’s Falcon Club and on Friday, December 21 they will be running a home baking sale at Otley Core. Then on Saturday, December 22 members will present all the patients on the ward with festive ‘goody bags’.