Airedale NHS Trust cleaners swept to the national finals of a prestigious competition. The domestic services team was among the elite at the cleaning industry's glittering "Oscars" ceremony in London.

The team was among 38 finalists - covering 15 different categories - in this year's Golden Service Awards.

Its submission was in the health care sector, for "Best Cleaned Premises by an In-house Cleaning Team". Winner of the category was Bedford NHS Trust.

The Airedale entrants received a certificate in recognition of their achievement.

Seen, from left, above, at the awards ceremony are team members Julie Eaton, a domestic assistant; Heather Whitehead, the domestic services manager; domestic supervisors Eileen Hockey and Sue Stovald, and domestic assistant Sheila Rudd. Also present, but not in the picture, was hotel services manager Anne Booth.

Airedale Hospital has received the perfect Christmas gift from a local company. The Steeton hospital was gifted cheques totalling £9,000 from Bradford-based Sovereign Health Care.

Airedale NHS Trust Director of Nursing and Quality Sue Franks says: "This is a very welcome contribution to Airedale Hospital and will help to enhance patient care.

"The donation from Sovereign has become something of a tradition now and whenever the money arrives the lists start arriving from each department.

"The cheque for £5,000 will go towards specialist equipment and other items that will go towards improving patient comfort.

"The £4,000 will go towards training nurses and therapists who need to go on courses and training outside of that provided by their teaching universities."

The cheque was presented by Jacqui Gill and Lynne Churchill who are both accounts co-ordinators with Sovereign.