AN appeal to raise £130,000 for cancer care services has been launched by Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The cash will fund the charity's services across County Durham to improve the lives of those living with cancer.

Elvira Soria, Macmillan's fundraising manager for Durham and Wearside, said money will go towards two services.

She said: "The first one is Easington Carers' Scheme, which provides practical and emotional support to cancer patients at home, and the second is to help fund a much-needed refurbishment of the cancer information and support centre in Peterlee."

The appeal is backed by Easington District Council.

Joan Freak, the authority's executive member for social inclusion, said: "There are many people in the district who will have been affected by cancer - either as a patient, relative, work colleague or friend. It is vitally important that the community gets behind such an important appeal as this one and we at the council are more than happy to support Macmillan Cancer Relief in whatever way we can.''

Donations can be sent to The East Durham Appeal, Macmillan Cancer Relief, Meadowfield Clinic, 1 Frederick Street South, Meadowfield, Durham DH7 8LZ. Payments can also be made to Peterlee Committee bank at Lloyds TSB, in Peterlee.