WARMINSTER people have donated a record-breaking £500 to the town's threatened community hospital in just one day.

Volunteers from the Friends of Warminster Hospital were out in force on the streets on Friday to collect donations.

The annual fundraising day secured £502, the highest ever hospital street collection held in Warminster, which will go towards equipment and staffing.

The cash came on the same day West Wiltshire Primary Care Trust announced a deal with doctors from the Adcroft Surgery in Trowbridge to keep the ailing in-patient ward open.

Friends chairman Richard Vine said: "Last year we collected something like £350. The move to a Friday from a Saturday certainly helped.

"A lot of people came and talked to us about the situation with the in-patient ward and minor injuries unit at the hospital as it is the topic of the moment.

"Having said that the hospital is a popular subject for collecting and if we get the right people out we can raise a lot of money.

"Keeping beds open is a priority and any closures mean a difficult time for the people of Warminster."

The Friends of Warminster Hospital raise funds every year and donate cash at the request of health bosses.

A group of over 10 collectors were in the town centre on Friday. Anyone wishing to donate further money should contact the hospital.