Two Bobs launch hospital appeal

Sir Bobby Charlton joined forces with Bob the Builder

A football legend has made an unlikely alliance with a children's television favourite in a final fundraising push for a new Manchester hospital.

Manchester United's Sir Bobby Charlton handed over £10 to Bob the Builder to launch the "Ten Bobs" campaign for Manchester's New Children's Hospital.

The hospital is hoping that the last stage of its appeal will raise the £2m needed to reach its £20m target.

The funds will pay for more equipment and sleeping areas for parents.

'A good cause'

Sir Bobby said any cash people could spare, not necessarily £10, would be going to a good cause.

He said: "The new children's hospital will directly help so many children, and their parents, throughout Manchester and the North of England."

The New Children's Hospital will be the largest in the UK and is part of a £500m investment in healthcare services in the North West.

Manchester Royal Infirmary, Saint Mary's Hospital for Woman and Children and Manchester Royal Eye Hospital are also benefitting from new facilities as a result of the investment.