AROUND 200 hospital workers took advantage of a staff benefits day which offered perks including shiatsu massage and energising workshops.

The event was one of three events held in the same giant marquee at Airedale Hospital, with the others celebrating the contribution made by volunteers and a public open day.

The staff day also featured the final entries in a photographic contest for employees, with senior finance manager Gareth Hughes winning with his atmospheric photo of the Cow and Calf rocks in Ilkley. All entries will now go on display and also feature in next year's calendar to raise money for the hospital's emergency department appeal.

Other offers for staff included details of a cycle to work scheme, advice from a life coach and Skipton Tennis Club.

There was also information about the day nursery on site and child care for staff; accommodation within the hospital grounds; car leasing from NHS Fleet Solutions and Derwent Business Car Lease scheme; advice from counter fraud specialists and a chance to meet staff governors.

Organiser Jodie Hearnshaw said: “The day was a great success and a chance for staff to find out more about the benefits available to them whilst working for Airedale. The prize draw for the staff photo exhibition created a lot of interest and was planned for the day in a bid to persuade more staff to take a break and join in.”