THE FRIENDS of Whitchurch Hospital has expressed its delight at the replacing of a stone to commemorate the building of the hospital.

The original stone, dated 1794, was found by builders developing the Community Hospital, Claypit Street, but the land and planning of the House of Industry and Infirmary donated through the good offices of the then Rector of Whitchurch, Reverend Francis Egerton took place a few years before.

The stone found was badly damaged during the construction and despite repair, has since perished.

A Friends spokesperson said: "The replacement was supported by us as it is important that we do not forget the significance to the town of the hospital and the care it has achieved over the centuries since 1794.

"We were delighted with the work in replacing the stone by stonemason Mr R Yates."