A hospital league of friends, which has raised tens of thousands of pounds for a Wee County health centre, has called it a day after 50 years due to a steady fall in membership.

The League of Friends for Clackmannanshire Community Healthcare Centre has bowed out after decades as it has been failing to recruit new members in the past years. Members have recently handed over the final cheques of £4200 each for Wards One and Two at the centre.

The group used to hold fetes at Sauchie Hospital to raise vital funds for the healthcare centre. Secretary Louisa Birrell, said: “A lot of people gave their time when we held these fetes. In addition to pony rides and bouncy castles, we had pipe bands, accordionists and dancers, and doctors donned a white hat and barbecued sausages for buns!” Lately, the group held coffee mornings, bottle stalls and a grand Christmas raffle to raise funds for the local wards.

General manager for Community Health Services at NHS Forth Valley, Kathy O’Neill, said: “I would like to say a big thank you for all the effort the league has made over the years.

“They have made a huge contribution to local health services over many years and we really appreciate everything they have done to help support local patients and their families.” Staff at the centre will continue to be able to apply for much-needed funds through local charitable donations and the NHS Forth Valley Endowment Scheme.