DORSET County Hospital was given an equipment boost by Dorchester Rotary Club.

Thanks to generous donations by Dorset residents the club was able to present two new endogators, or irrigation pumps, to the endoscopy unit.

The pumps will make procedures for patients being examined for bowel or colon cancer more comfortable as well as allowing doctors to get better pictures inside the body.

Each pump cost just over £1,000 and the money was raised by the Rotary Club’s Christmas Sleigh which was a regular feature on Dorchester High Street over the festive period.

The campaign was so successful that there was also enough money to send three endoscopy nurses on special training courses.

According to charity Cancer Research UK colon and bowel cancer accounted for 15,908 deaths in 2009.

The endoscopy unit was Dorchester Rotary Club’s presidential charity of the year.

President Pauline Camm said that many people felt embarrassed to go and see the doctor or talk about the condition but that it was important to get the message to people to go and see their doctor if they were concerned.

She said: “It’s the sort of campaign that people have concerns about publishing because of embarrassment and we wanted to get it out in the public arena.”

She added: “People are afraid to talk about it, but it affects people particularly in their 60s and 70s.

“With the national screening programme and publicity it’s helping to pick up cases early.”

Mrs Camm said that the response from the people of Dorchester and Dorset had been amazing.

She said: “We would like to thank the people of Dorchester and the surrounding villages who have always been supportive of the Rotary Club of Dorchester.

“We feel they trust us and they know every penny will go to the right place.”

She added: “It was an amazing response.”

Doctor Chris Hobell from DCH Endoscopy Unit said: “I am sure it will be an excellent tool for us in the future to help us investigate people with bowel problems.”

To say thank you the Rotary Club will be holding a Party in the Park on June 30.

There will be games, music, vintage vehicles and cream teas in the Borough Gardens.

Adults and children will have the chance to take part in sports events too.

Mrs Camm said: “We want to say thank you for people’s support during the year.

“There will be lots going on.”

For more information visit www.rotaryclubofdorchester.co.uk or call 01305 265353.