Friends of local hospitals have raised more than £350,000 during the last two years to help patients.

The League of Hospital and Community Friends in Brighton, Hove and Newhaven provided more than 50 separate items.

Donations to Brighton Health Care NHS Trust totalled £210,000 while another £140,000 went to South Downs Health NHS Trust.

Items included a blood pressure monitoring system, advanced life support training equipment, four cardiac monitors, two motorised electric wheelchairs and artwork for the main entrance of the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

The friends also bought two patient buggies to carry people from the main entrance of the hospital to some of the wards and departments.

It bought a large minibus to transport day patients to Newhaven Downs House and the Newhaven Polyclinic.

One of the biggest donations was £48,000 which was backed by a similar grant by Ardis.

This enabled South Downs Health to create a night-time respite care service for older people with mental health problems.

Chairman David Bowden said the League aimed to increase its membership from 500 to 5,000 over the next three years.

He added: "Our overall objective is to maintain a vital link between the public and their hospitals and other healthcare services."

Anyone interested in helping should call the League of Hospital Friends on 01273 664936 (correct 664936).