HOSPITAL patients will benefit from the sights and sounds of yesteryear.

A charity thrashing day took place at Churches View Farm, Kelsall Road, Ashton, home of Geoff and Marie Newsome.

A barn was given over to a vintage thrashing machine while the power was supplied by a Sandbach-built Foden steam engine outside.

The engine, owned by John Bownes, is one of the oldest Fodens operating and was built in 1899.

The combination made for nostalgia with the noise of the thrasher and smoke puffing from the steam engine as it got to work.

Vintage machinery enthusiasts turned out to support the League of Friends at Tarporley War Memorial Hospital.