THE League of Friends is raising thousands of pounds to buy the next best thing to a human body for training and research.

The League will spend £27,000 on Sim Man. Sim Man allows paramedics to practice lifesaving procedures.

It can be programmed to talk and make realistic noises and his pulse, breathing, blood pressure and heart rate can be controlled.

Paramedics can also feel Sim Man's ribs for chest decompression procedures.

League spokesman Colin Kershaw said: "Sim Man is going to prove an absolutely superb method of training people.

"It will be vital in preparing staff to deal with a multitude of trauma cases where, in real life, time is always of the essence.

"Sim Man will also provide great opportunities for medical staff to work as a close knit team.

"It will improve facilities here and help towards the Centre of Excellence status we are striving for."

The League has placed its order for Sim Man as the "dummies" but one will not arrive at the Woodrow Drive hospital until early next year. Much of the cost will be met through the League's summer fair and raffle,