The sight was witnessed by Scarborough's mayor, Cllr Eileen Vickers, who switched on the lights at the Crown Spa Hotel to launch the British Heart Foundation's (BHF) Red for Heart campaign which coincides with February's National Heart Month.

Stuart Russell, the manager of the spa and health club at the Grade II listed hotel, said: "We are delighted to be supporting the launch of the British Heart Foundation's new Red for Heart campaign.

"We think the hotel will be a fantastic sight illuminated in red and we hope as many local people as possible will Go Red for the charity this February."

Figures released by BHF show that 89 mothers and 99 fathers die every day from coronary heart disease, someone dies from a heart attack in the UK every six minutes, and 2.5 million people in the UK are living with coronary heart disease.

Barrie Heath, a father of two and recent heart patient at Scarborough Hospital, said: "After suffering a heart attack and undertaking a heart bypass in 2004 I feel very fortunate to be alive today.

"Thanks to advances in treatments and diagnostics I have made a full recovery and this is also down to the fantastic work that the British Heart Foundation does."

People who would like further information about fund-raising during February are advised to contact (01623) 624558, email redfeb@bhf. org.uk or visit www.bhf.org. uk/redfeb.