AN OPEN day at Airedale Hospital has been hailed as a "phenomenal" success.

Around 800 people attended the event, which featured a massive range of attractions.

"Despite poor weather the day went fantastically well and we were absolutely delighted with the turnout," said a hospital spokesman.

Among the highlights of last Thursday's (Aug 21) event, held in the hospital's education centre and a marquee, was an interactive floor planned for the new Emergency Department.

Youngsters had a chance to try out the floor, which will help keep children entertained in the unit, due to open this autumn.

"The colourful floor features different scenes and noises – there was a really good response from those who tried it and people were very supportive of it being included in the new department," said the spokesman.

Visitors to the annual open day were also able to sample creative ways of keeping fit with activities including hula hooping, zumba, bokwa and Thai boxing, courtesy of Eastburn Fitness Centre.

People could also use bike power to produce smoothies and there was a chance for youngsters to use wound make-up, tackle a 90ft cave run and visit 'giant lungs'.

Therapy pet and guide dogs were on hand and hospital staff were present to discuss organ donation and to talk about the new endoscopy and maternity units and refurbished pathology labs.

And there were more than 60 stalls, plus demonstrations of the hospital telemedicine and Gold Line services.

Free refreshments were provided by Sodexo.

Bridget Fletcher, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, paid tribute to everyone who had helped make the event a success.

"Thanks go to the community for its tremendous support of the open day and for turning out in such numbers – we were delighted," she said.

"I would also like to thank all the staff who gave up their time to take part."