Skipton Hospital Friends were told everything possible would be done to protect the future of Skipton Hospital at a party to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

Brigadier Johnny Wardle, chairman of Craven, Harrogate and Rural District Primary Care Trust, said the PCT's aim was to provide better, convenient and accessible health services.

Its ultimate goal was to take over the running of Skipton Hospital.

He added that PCT chief executive Penny Jones had said she could not conceive a situation where the services would not be run from the Skipton site.

The Friends were asked to keep fundraising as Brigadier Wardle said he could not see a time when the PCT would not be working in partnership with them.

He thanked the Friends for their hard work.

Founder Norman Hodgson thanked the "marvellous members" for their dedication, and hospital staff provided champagne and a cake to toast the anniversary.

Friends' secretary Kath Whitaker thought the group had raised about £1 million over the years and had bought equipment and refurbished wards at Cawder Ghyll Hospital, Raikeswood Hospital and Skipton General.