AN unsung army of 600 volunteer heroes have been praised for their tireless work helping make patients' stay in hospital that little bit more pleasant.

Christine Kirk, chairman of board of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust, said the band of volunteers helped provide 'the little luxuries' that cannot be covered through mainstream funds.

She praised the volunteers as latest accounts from the Trust -- which runs Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Queen's Park Hospital, Burnley General Hospital, Pendle Community Hospital and Rossendale Hospital -- revealed charitable donations swelled the coffers by £541,000.

Mrs Kirk said: "I think we have to single out the people who continue to help us out in their own time and make a world of difference to patients.

"We are incredibly indebted to them for the work that they do. They provide the little luxuries which otherwise patients wouldn't have.

"We are very lucky to have them."

Volunteers get involved in a variety of ways, from visiting patients on wards to helping operate local hospital radio. And many of the volunteers are also fundraisers.

Latest figures show that £111,000 was added to the coffers through fundraising activities, with a further £290,000 coming in the form of donations from the public.

A total of £57,000 came from people who left money in their wills. David Meakin, director of finance at the Trust, said: "The majority of the money was spent in the year on hospital equipment, and on patient and staff welfare and amenities."

Mrs Kirk said the support proved many people value the services they receive in hospital.

She said: "It is easy to say how many complaints we have because they are all dealt with through one process, but the same cannot be said for compliments.

"We do get many, many letters and cards of thanks but the majority go straight to the relevant ward or staff. It is pleasing to know so many people want to get involved."