PATIENTS have helped to raise £1,500 which has bought new equipment for St James' Surgery in Devizes.

The surgery's patients' participation group raised the money through a Christmas raffle, social supper and annual fete.

The group raises a similar amount of money each year to buy equipment for the surgery, in Gains Lane.

Ann Easton, the group's chairman, said: "We were thrilled with the amount we have raised over the past 12 months. Patients are very generous in supporting the surgery and our fundraising."

The money has been used to buy a phlebotomy chair, used by patients whose blood is being taken, plus a dressing trolley and an examination couch for a new consulting room.

The patients' participation group's grand fete is on Saturday in the surgery grounds from 1.30pm to 4pm.