A hospital fundraising group's Christmas appeal has a spring in its step thanks to a generous donation.

The Friends of Airedale have been drumming up sales for their Christmas raffle with a large fluffy Tigger toy, which is one of the prizes. The 3ft high cuddly toy has been donated by Homeloan Management, in Skipton.

And the furry friend of Winnie the Pooh, with a spring in his tail, has been a big hit with people of all ages on the wards of the Steeton hospital.

Fundraiser Maureen Davies, who also works for Homeloan, said: "We have been taking Tigger around the wards as we sell the raffle tickets, and he has been causing quite a stir.

"He is very popular with the children and also some of the elderly blind people because they enjoy stroking him.

"It has been a very successful year for the Friends of Airedale and all the money we raise from the raffle and from other events goes into the hospital."

The raffle has also been supported by the Timothy Taylor brewery, in Keighley, Herncliffe Nursing Home, in Spring Gardens Lane, Keighley, and Dixon Target, at Cross Hills, which has printed and donated the raffle tickets.

Homeloan Management has also pledged to double the amount raised from sales of raffle tickets to its employees.

There are first and second prizes of £100 and £75, as well as the chance to win a £50 travel voucher from Alston Travel, two helicopter rides and a day's hire of a narrow boat on the Leeds Liverpool Canal donated by Pennine Boats.

Tickets priced 20p each or £1 for a book are on sale at the Friends of Airedale shop, in the main reception area at the hospital. The winning numbers will be drawn on December 17.