A COLLECTION of Cornish poetry by Liskeard's town crier Frank Beer has raised £500 for the intensive care unit at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro which helped save the life of his wife Beryl.

Frank's series of poems, entitled Poetic Cornish Poetry, is the second of his books written especially to raise funds for the unit whose staff saved the life of his wife when she was taken critically ill in December 2001.

Beryl spent she spent 33 days in intensive care.

Frank and Beryl recently visited the unit where staff were delighted by the further donation.

Consultant, Dr Thys De Beer said: 'We are truly grateful to Frank and Beryl.

'This latest poetry collection is a charming expression of their thanks. We are very fortunate to be continuing to benefit from the tremendous energy and effort they are putting into fundraising on our behalf.'

The money raised by Frank and Beryl will be a valuable contribution to the unit's charitable fund which is used to buy additional equipment and other items for the benefit of patients.

Poetic Cornish Poetry is a collection of poems written in Frank's traditional style with a rhythm reflecting his straightforward manner.

Frank and Beryl plan to continue to raise funds through the sale of Poetic Cornish Poetry and Frank's earlier collection, A Pageant of Cornish Poetry, particularly as they enjoy meeting people and talking to them about the inspiration behind the book, when they make sales at fetes and other events.