Business has become more and more competitive. Banks, retailers, supermarkets, manufacturers and even solicitors fight for market-share.

Only the most efficient will survive. And so it is with our charities.

Every week some good cause with a carefully crafted letter or a shocking picture will appeal for help.

I thought I would try to count the number of charity shops in Brighton and Hove but soon gave up.

There is much that needs to be done but without our charities and voluntary organisations things would be a deal worse.

I thought it would be interesting to follow the fortunes of one Brighton and Hove's oldest charities: The League of Hospital and Community Friends (Brighton Hove and Newhaven).

Now that's a mouthful - hardly the sexy image loved by modern day marketeers.

Despite problems, the league survives and does great work. It has a vigorous chairman, David Bowden, a splendid secretary, Suzy Horne, and a small band of dedicated helpers all doing their best to bring the charity up-to-date and recruit members.

Hospital leagues were founded when hospitals were stark, even brutal places. They did much to provide patients with comfort and necessities.

Patients were often housed in grim old workhouses - Brighton General Hospital is one such example.

Of course it has been improved and renovated beyond recognition. But something of its past lingers.

In December I was invited to attend a meeting of the executive committee at Millview Hospital in Hove.

I was astonished at the work involved and the range of services the league supports. Part of the agenda was controversial - a change of name and image?

There was argument but it was a constructive debate and everyone had the interests of the league at heart.

The league has distributed some £500,000 to our hospitals in the past three years but it needs more support. How to get that support is the problem.

Some say the Government should fund all hospital requirements but the money is not available.

Last year the league purchased equipment for the Foot Health Department, which enabled many people to walk properly and without pain. What a gift!

Hospitals are extraordinarily busy places and despite adverse publicity the vast majority of patients get expert and kindly attention.

The league is an important link between the public, patients, hospitals and hospital staff. League membership costs £10 a year.

For more details, call Mrs Horne 01273 664936.