THE Teignmouth Hospital League of Friends has been given a glowing accolade by Newton?Abbot MP Anne Marie Morris.

She described its fundraising efforts over the years to provide over £2million of equipment and facilities as 'fantastic', and added: 'It is a shining example of what should happen elsewhere in the country.'

She was speaking at a Sunday roadshow at the Carlton Theatre to celebrate the work of the league over 57-years, and to unveil the plans for the new physio and occupational therapy unit.

The league has donated more than £600,000 towards the cost of the unit.

And there was more praise from Devon health supremo Ann James, who thanked the league and the local community for their efforts.

'The history here is truly impressive. We are continuing to build a future and working out how we can provide an effective service for the local community.

Julie Dent, the chairman of the Torbay Care Trust – which has now taken over responsibility for all the community services in south Devon – looked forward to working with the league, and hoped the district could be 'a leading light in community services across the country.'

Members of the public were joined by hospital staff for the afternoon, which highlighted the work of the league over the years, and also looked to the future.

Among the guests were representatives of MBS, the construction company building the new unit, and Ian Kilpatrick from Tavistock, the son of Dr Kilpatrick, who laid the foundation stone for the new hospital, which replaced the building bombed during the war.

Pippa Barter, daughter of league founder Frank Russell, also travelled from Exeter.

Local historian Viv Wilson presented an inspiring 45-minute film, which included grim pictures of the bombing – exactly 70-years ago to the day – and contrasted it with happier fundraising and social events, graced by celebrities over the years.

League chairman Graham Russell gave a vote of thanks to all who attended, and singled out the league's publicity officer, Colin Ingram, and Tony Ellacott, the treasurer, for their 'outstanding' work.