Physiotherapists at Airedale Hospital are asking for a helping hand so they can make life happier for patients.

The department has launched its Help Airedale Physiotherapists Purchase Important Equipment (HAPPIE) campaign in a bid to raise £10,000 by the end of the year.

The bulk of the money will go towards a new £6,000 treadmill, which will replace the old machine which met an untimely end when it exploded.

Senior physiotherapist Helen Moorhouse said: "The aim is to raise enough money to buy equipment that is not funded because it is not classed as emergency high priority, but it is equipment that will make a huge difference to the way patients are treated.

"It will help to improve their care and will make it more satisfying for us to have the right equipment for the job.

"We want to buy a robust treadmill that can be used for outpatients, cardiac rehabilitation patients, people with hip and knee problems and quite a lot of patients in orthopaedics and rheumatology.

"The department also needs a semi-reclined exercise bike which can be used by patients who can't get on to a normal exercise bike.

"It would be used by elderly and less mobile patients, and some patients with neurological conditions.

"There are also some smaller items we need like balance monitoring equipment, a skeleton for demonstration purposes and computer equipment."

The campaign has already got off to a strong start thanks to sponsorship from a number of companies, including Green Partnership Estate Agents in Keighley, Robertshaw and Myers Chartered Accountants and Homeloan Management Ltd, in Skipton.

Organisers of the Cowling Pram Race have also pledged £1,000 and members of the physiotherapy department have organised a number of events, including a May Ball for members of staff.

A group is setting off on a 140-mile coast-to-coast cycle ride on June 16 and a spring fair is being held in the hospital's out-patients department on April 18.

Members of the public are invited to take part in a challenge quiz on April 10, at 7.30pm, in the physiotherapy gym. Teams of four to six people can enter at a cost of £1 per person. A raffle is also being held, with the top prizes of £250 and a weekend for two at a top hotel in Nottingham.

Anyone who would like to donate any prizes or would like more information about the fundraising events should contact Helen Moorhouse or Julie Rose on 01535 293656.