Powys LHB said it appreciated the league's "commitment"

Welshpool League of Friends has spent nearly �107,000 on the Victoria Memorial Hospital during the past year.

Group treasurer William Cooke said it must not "fall into the trap of being seen as the soft option".

Powys Local Health Board (LHB) said it appreciated the league's "dedication and commitment".

Among the items purchased by the Welshpool League of Friends was endoscopy equipment, used to test patients' digestive systems, which cost �72,025.

Mr Cooke said as a result of donations to the hospital, expenditure was up �92,994 on the previous year.

'Taken for granted'

He added: "Whilst staff at the hospital obviously appreciate the equipment purchases that have been covered by donations from the league, it is to be hoped that Powys LHB do as well.

"I sometimes wonder whether we are not taken for granted in that respect."

He said he would prefer to know what equipment the hospital needed annually, and whether Powys LHB could afford the items.

"The league would then be in a much better position to determine whether or not it could or should help fund them," said Mr Cooke.

"In my view, the league must not fall into the trap of being seen as the soft option. It has to carefully consider its position in relation to delivery of its charitable objects at all times."

In a statement, the LHB said it "appreciates all the hard work, dedication and commitment demonstrated by the League of Friends in Welshpool who continue to support the LHB in fulfilling the needs of patients and staff in the Welshpool area."