CHARITY fund raisers have praised the generosity of grassroots supporters after an important milestone was reached.

In October last year, the Macmillan County Durham Appeal was launched at Auckland Castle. The charity, which works with cancer patients and their families all over the UK, identified County Durham as an area which needs more investment. So Macmillan Cancer Relief launched an ambitious appeal to raise £600,000.

The cash will be used to appoint the first consultant in palliative care to work exclusively in County Durham and to increase the number of specialist Macmillan nurses in the area from 18 to 20. Last night appeal chairman Ian Bonas confirmed that the appeal has now reached £160,000.

"Much of the money raised has come from our grassroots supporters who have been extraordinarily generous. Now we need to reach a much wider cross-section of the community, including business people," said Mr Bonas.

The charity is planning a series of fund-raising events in the coming months.

On June 23 the charity is holding a Jubilee Luncheon at the beautiful 18th Century Orangery at Croxdale Hall, in Durham.

Set in a lovely nine acre walled garden which includes two lakes and herbacious borders, the event is expected to be a sell-out.

Last year's hugely successful 10 kilometre road race at the Croft Circuit at Darlington will be run again on July 17 in conjunction with Chester-le-Street Athletics Club.

A string of other events are planned for the rest of the year.

For information about the appeal, forthcoming events and tickets ring 0191-3780911 or 0191-3781188.