A Scottish daily newspaper is backing a fundriasing initiative designed to raise £2m for a children’s hospital on its patch.

Dundee daily The Courier has announced it is partnering the ARCHIE Foundation which is seeking to raise the seven-figure sum for the Tayside Children’s Hospital.

The pledge follows an exclusive report by The Courier which detailed a £4m NHS Tayside investment in ths hospital to create a new suite at the Ninewells Hospital facility that will include two paediatric operating theatres.

The ARCHIE Foundation is launching its appeal today, with the additional sums raised used to help make the suite a welcoming and comfortable environment for children and their families.

Courier editor Richard Neville said, “We are delighted to support the appeal which will deliver a world class paediatric theatre suite in the heart of Courier country.

“The care of children and dedication of the staff at Tayside Children’s Hospital is already second to none but this project will help deliver an altogether more friendly and calming environment for the children who are unfortunate enough to have to undergo an operation.

“The suite has already obtained funding for the build and staffing. We’re supporting The ARCHIE Foundation in its quest to raise an additional £2 million which will see the facility transformed into a child friendly suite.

“Over the coming weeks and months we’ll update our readers about fundraising ideas and progress as well as revealing more about the facility and how it will help improve the care of children.”