A DRIVE has begun to raise £1-million towards the modernisation of Stratton Hospital which serves the "forgotten" area around Bude.

The challenge to raise this sum is being taken on by the League of Friends of Stratton Hospital but they need help.

The modernisation and re-furbishment of the hospital, built in 1867, can only happen if the league can reach its target.

Mrs Candy Baker, the chairman of the league of friends, says: "We are now in the 21st century and it is right that we should be looking to provide standards which are fit for purpose for both patients and staff, but also dedicated palliative care suites.

"Because of the distances needed to travel to district general hospitals or hospices, many people are disadvantaged when medical appointments mean long travel and visiting sick relatives and friends becomes difficult.

"By making better provision for outpatients to see consultants locally and offering other services, this will be of huge benefit for the people of the area, who have long been forgotten here in the north of the county."

She explained that plans had been drawn up to address the current situation — with the work planned to start later this month —but this could only happen if the league of friends contributed a substantial sum towards this project."

She added that they were taking on the challenge to raise the £1-million to assist with the project and to launch the appeal, Terry Bale, the Cornish professional concert organiser was putting on an evening of music and song, Cornish style and composed of local artists, at the Central Methodist Church, Bude, on Sunday evening June 27.

There will be no entry fee to the event but there would be a retiring collection.