A CAMPAIGN to raise tens of thousands of pounds to equip a Lake District GP surgery has been successful.

Donations from local residents and businesses have secured the future of the Hawkshead surgery which was under threat until last year.

Following a pledge by Bill Barr, a local businessman, to complete the new building, fundraising for equipment began in earnest last summer, and the £30,000 target has now been reached.

The money will be used to buy equipment that would not normally be provided by the NHS, as well as ancillary services such as physiotherapy and chiropody.

Maria Whitehead, who runs Hawkshead Relish and is part of the Patient Participation Group (PPG) who led the campaign, said: "It's fantastic; a small community like Hawkshead raising that amount of money in the space of time that we have had."

"Everybody has been phenomenal. The fundraising has been to make sure the doctors have everything they really need to run a surgery in the 21st century. It will be really nicely furnished as well.

"We wanted to raise the money in time for the building being ready, so the equipment could be bought when it was needed.

"The building is nearly complete, and although Bill Barr unfortunately died last year, his family have been making sure the building is completed.

"We want him to be fully recognised along with his family for being such generous benefactors to the surgery.

"We have done raffles and tombolas, as well as an auction at Belmont Hall in the village.

"For that lots of local businesses provided things that we could auction off, and that event raised £8,000."

One of the most recent fundraisers, which raised in excess of £350, was a 'Last Night of the Proms' evening hosted by the local freemasons in the village's historic market hall.

It was organised by Hawkshead Lodge member David Cole with music provided by accomplished organist Paul Gregson. The lively event culminated with the singing of Prom favourites Jerusalem, Rule Britannia and Land of Hope and Glory as everyone rose to their feet and waved their Union Jacks.

Dr Kaye Ward, who will be working at the surgery, said: "It is amazing how much effort the community has put into this, from the PPG organising the events to people going to them and giving donations.

"The surgery is a vital part of the community because it supports a community that needs to be there for the tourist industry. So the effect is far reaching.

"Dr Jane Rimington and I consider ourselves very lucky to have the support of the people in Hawkshead."

It is hoped that Hawkshead GP surgery will be officially opened in late June or early July.

A few years ago the surgery in Hawkshead was under threat because of a lack of patients due to the high number of holiday cottages in the village.

The practice was amalgamated with Ambleside surgery to create a new Central Lakes Medical Group. It secured a future for a practice in Hawkshead as well as at Grasmere and Ambleside.