Hospital fundraisers are appealing to young people in the region to help bridge the generation gap by pledging to raise £1,000 for a healthcare appeal.

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in King's Lynn, is encouraging young people to 'Raise a Grand for Gran and Granddad' as part of its Excel Appeal, which is supported by the EDP.

Fundraisers hope schools, colleges, Scouting and Guiding organisations, and other youth groups will take part in the scheme.

The Excel Appeal, launched in October last year, aims to raise £50,000 for specialist care equipment which would improve the treatment and comfort of elderly people in hospital.

The equipment includes:

Digital reminiscence therapy software used to support patients living with dementia.

Specialist adjustable recliner chairs for administering physiotherapy as well as providing comfort and relaxation for elderly patients.

Falls prevention monitoring systems used to alert nursing and medical staff to patients who are at a higher risk of falling.

As a special thank-you those schools, youth groups, colleges or others who raise £1,000 will receive a framed certificate, presented by a senior hospital staff member.

Catherine Morgan, director of nursing at the hospital, said: 'The equipment will help us ensure some of our most vulnerable patients feel as relaxed and comfortable as possible during their stay.'

Laurence Morlaas, fundraising executive, said: 'I would like to invite teachers and parents to join forces and consider non-uniform days and end-of-year prom nights or barbecues as fundraisers. Other fundraising activities such as a sponsored walk, swim or run, a quiz, or cake sale might be favoured.'