A consultant surgeon is planning a trip to a poverty-stricken region of India to provide much-needed help at a hospital.

Ian Hutchinson will carry out operations on trauma patients and those with abdominal problems during his three-week stay.

But before his visit, the 55-year-old will pound the streets of Edinburgh to raise cash for the hospital in Raxaul, Bihar, in the north east of India.

Mr Hutchinson, a general surgeon at Airedale Hospital, will join hundreds of other competitors, including his wife Lyn, on the 5km fun run round Arthur's Seat tomorrow.

They are hoping to raise about £700 between them for the Duncan Hospital, which is run by Christian Mission.

Mr Hutchinson has twice visited the remote hospital, which is just a few hundred yards from the border with Nepal.

In March he is making a return three-week trip with his wife and four other supporters who will be giving up their time to help out.

Since his last visit in 2003 Mr Hutchinson has paid to bring over a medical team from the Duncan Hospital to get more surgical training.

But now he wants to go back to see exactly what help and support the hospital needs.

Flights back for Mr Hutchinson and his group are booked for March 17 and efforts to raise as much cash as possible to take with them are in full swing.

A sale and coffee morning is planned for Saturday, January 27, at Westcliffe Chapel in Westcliffe Road, Shipley, from 10am to 2pm.

And one of Mr Hutchinson's fellow worshippers at the chapel, Mary Taylor, has also been helping out by making and selling greeting cards, raising £100 for the cause.

He said: "We are planning to take out as much financial support as we can and I have been in contact with a number of pharmaceutical companies who have donated suture material for operations."

Many of the patients are affected by typhoid, tuberculosis, Aids and other diseases associated with third world countries.

"I'm expecting to see a continuing great need from the local community that the hospital serves," he said.

"Any health provision they can be offered is welcomed.

"The average annual salary out there is £350. It puts things in perspective.

"When we all come home we'll just be getting back on with our day jobs but we'll all be continuing our efforts to keep up our support from here."

Anyone who would like to help can get in touch with Mr Hutchinson at Airedale Hospital on (01535) 292147.

e-mail: kathie.griffiths@bradford.newsquest.co.uk