A specialist nurse has been appointed in Bradford to help children and their families cope with the torment of eczema.

Lesley Matthews is the city's first eczema nurse and will help youngsters to understand the condition and how to manage it.

Her new role has been boosted by staff and customers of the Traveller's Rest pub in Cutler Heights who raised £2,000 to pay for video equipment so she can give presentations.

Lesley, who was a ward sister with Bradford Hospitals NHS Trust, said her appointment was a positive step which will make a difference to people with eczema.

"There can be a lot of concern and embarrassment about this condition, but if people know more about it and what they can do about it, they can feel a lot happier in themselves."

People at the Travellers Rest pub formed a group called Skin Deep to buy a television, video, projector and screen for a travelling roadshow.

They also gave cash to the dermatology department at St Luke's Hospital to support patients with psoriasis.

Paul Wells, landlord of the pub, said he wanted to help because his 20-year-old daughter Charlotte suffers from psoriasis. He helped to organise a sponsored 25-mile walk and fundraising raffles.

"We felt it was a very good cause, and everyone was keen to help raise the money," he said.

Lesley, who moved from Newcastle to Bradford Royal Infirmary 20 years ago, will be based at St Luke's Hospital but will be able to visit schools, clinics and other places to explain to children how they can cope with eczema.

She said: "I want to say a big thank you to everyone at the Traveller's Rest for raising all this money for my presentation equipment."