WEST Suffolk Hospital has announced plans to step up its fundraising efforts with the launch of a new charity logo created by a local graphic designer.

Toby Long, of Debenham-based Hilltop Design, has put together the new West Suffolk Hospital Charity logo free of charge.

It has been designed to provide the charity with a strong brand while helping to raise awareness that people are able to donate to their local hospital.

The logo was chosen from five options created by Hilltop. Staff, patients, Foundation Trust members and other hospital users were surveyed for their opinion, with the final design selected as a result of their feedback.

The launch of the new logo ties in with an increased focus on fundraising, with the Bury St Edmunds hospital now able to provide support to anyone who wishes to raise cash for the trust.

Jan Bloomfield, executive director with responsibility for fundraising, said: “We are delighted with the logo, which gives us a strong, new brand through which to raise money. We’d like to thank Toby for volunteering his time to create the striking design. “We’re keen to encourage as many people as possible to consider the hospital when raising money for charity so that we can make a real difference to patients in the future.”

Mr Long said: “I was pleased to be able to support the hospital by designing their new logo. I hope it helps to raise the profile of what is an extremely worthwhile cause.”