THE generosity of Ledbury League of Friends will save many people in the area having to make trips to Hereford County Hospital.

The League has donated £55,000 to a new x-ray and ultrasound service being installed in the town’s local hospital.

New x-ray facilities will be ready at the end of September and it is planned for the ultrasound equipment to be fully operational by the end of December.

The new service is a joint venture between Ledbury League of Friends and Herefordshire Primary Care Trust.

The chairman of the League, Bill Masefield, said the £55,000 had come from local people over the years through legacies, donations, bequests and from organisations and clubs who had held fundraising events.

The equipment is being installed in refurbished buildings at Ledbury Healthcare Centre.

Digital x-ray and ultrasound images will be sent electronically to other hospitals, and allow GPs and consultants to see them in surgeries or outpatient clinics.

Mr Masefield said the Friends had worked closely with the PCT.

“I’m proud the League of Friends can be associated with such a high profile service improvement for the people of Ledbury and district,”

he said.

At the PCT, Sue Doheny, provider of services, said they were indebted to the Friends for such a significant donation , making it possible for the services to be available at Ledbury.

When fully operational they would allow people to go to their own local hospital,rather than travel to Hereford.