SIR — As many of your readers will know, Minehead Hospital is at present planning to upgrade its X-ray and department.

This will provide a state of the art digital system, which will enable the majority of reporting to be done within a few days instead of 2 - 3 weeks as at present and will also allow rapid assessment of X-rays in an emergency.

The response of the League of Friends appeal for money has been fantastic.

Two weeks ago, we were presented with cheques for £21,465 by the Spring Harvest charitable trust, £5,000 by Butlins and £600 by Christians Together in Minehead.

Many other organisations and individuals have also donated very generously, for which we are very grateful; so much so that we now need only a further £10,000 to reach our target of £140,000 towards the total cost. The Somerset Coastal Care Trust are providing the other £145,000 required.

The League of Friends are indebted to the staff of the X-ray department in Minehead Hospital who have been working tirelessly to provide further funds towards the project.

The hospital will be holding their summer fete on Saturday, August 17 at 10am in front of the hospital, to which we hope many people will come.

Finally, I would like to say what an asset our local hospital is to the community and to thank all the staff who provide such excellent care.

T C Ross,

Minehead Hospital League of Friends.