REGULARS at a village pub have come to the rescue of a hospital appeal.

The Castle Inn, at Sheriff Hutton, raised more than £500 over the last 18 months and kitted out the children's ward at York Hospital with three new televisions and DVD players.

Led by landlord Tony Hartley, the fundraisers put on a host of events, including a guess-the-weight-of-the-baby competition, a huge Easter egg auction and lots of raffles.

Mr Hartley said he was delighted the money was going towards something that would help put a smile on the children's faces.

He said: "I've been having treatment at the hospital and when I was there, I noticed there was a sale to raise money to buy some TVs for the children.

"Everyone at the pub thought this would be a brilliant way to spend the money and we've bought them three TVs and DVD players and lots of different DVDs and videos for them to watch.

"Our regulars have been really supportive and the fundraising has been a lot of fun. We're really chuffed to be able to hand over the DVDs."

Ward matron Jill Crampton said: "We're absolutely thrilled. It makes such a difference if the children have DVDs and videos to watch."