AIREDALE Hospital staff are bowled over with their latest piece of equipment.

The acute therapy services team at the Steeton hospital has bought a mobility and transportation aid, known as The Cricket, with funding from the Friends of Airedale charity.

The equipment will help transfer and transport patients with mobility problems and reduce the risk of falls.

Occupational therapist Lucy Holden, who applied for the funding, said: "The Cricket is now available for therapy services to assess and use with patients across the hospital and I hope its utilisation in the community will increase as a result.

"It has great potential to improve patients' independence and ability to perform daily activities and reduce ongoing care costs in the community.

"It will be an indispensable piece of equipment."