A CHARITY group raised more then £200,000 for equipment in the Royal Gwent and St Woolos Hospitals in the past eight years.

The League of Friends of the Royal Gwent Hospital, which was set up in 1983, is run by a group of 30 volunteers.

Between them, they run a buffet service in the main outpatient building of the Royal Gwent, selling food and drink to patients, staff and visitors between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

Combined with selling second hand books, toys, bric-a-brac and donations, they raise thousands of pounds for the hospitals each year.

From 2003 to date, they have raised an impressive 6220,960.64.

Every three months, the group holds meetings with consultants from both hospitals who say what equipment they need, so the group can decide how to spend the money.

Treasurer Mary Bennett said: "I'm very glad to be involved with the league and give something back."

Anyone interested in volunteering for the League of Friends can call Cain Cheshire on 01633 614 487.