SOMERSET cricket legend Marcus Trescothick helped bring a bit of festive cheer to patients and staff at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital today (Friday).

Trescothick, patron of the Love Musgrove MRI campaign to raise £1 million for a new scanner, switched on the Christmas lights in the Jubilee Concourse.

As well as music from HMS Heron Royal Volunteer Band and local group Absolute Pitch, there was a festive treat from nurses in the emergency department.

The event marked the launch of Love Musgrove's Christmas appeal to raise funds to go towards the MRI scanner campaign, which has been supported by the County Gazette and its readers since April.

To support the appeal, contact the fundraising office on 01823-344437 or e-mail fundraising@tst.nhs.uk