A Yarm-based charity is funding genetic research at the University of Durham to help fight bowel cancer.

Against Bowel Cancer (ABC) donated £30,000 to researchers who are designing what is known as a DNA chip, used to detect the different genetic changes in bowel cancer.

The biologists will track cancer from its early to late stages, when it becomes a killer. Post-graduate researcher Naomi Willis, of the university's Department of Biological Sciences in Durham, will carry out the investigation with assistance from Prof Chris Hutchison.

Recently they met representatives of ABC to receive a cheque for their work. Among the ABC team was trustee chairman Rob Wilson, a consultant surgeon at James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

He said: "ABC is delighted to sponsor this new research initiative because early detection of bowel cancer is vital for successful treatment.

"In the South Teesside region, some 185-200 patients are seen each year and 10pc have the disease in its earliest stages. They can usually be cured. However, 25pc of patients have advanced tumours when first admitted and, sadly, they cannot be cured."

Prof Hutchison explained that DNA chip technology was a method for identifying the specific genes that are important in the development of a cancer. There are 80,000 genes in the human body.

The chip would identify which genes are diagnostic of the earliest stages of bowel cancer and, having identified them, use them as an early indicator of the disease.

The chip would also be used to discover differences between individuals who respond well to treatment and those who respond badly. The results would ultimately improve patient treatment.

"Our in-house testing system is at the cutting edge of genetic technology. The development of a high-tech genetic test ensures a greater degree of diagnostic accuracy and the benefits will assist our health partners in promoting a better understanding and treatment of bowel cancer."

Bowel cancer is the second most common cancer in the UK after lung cancer. It accounts for 10pc of all new cancer cases and 12pc of all cancer-related deaths.

Many patients, though not all, tend to be aged from 55-80. Health professionals are concerned that the outcomes for UK sufferers are worse than in most comparable countries.

l Organisers of a charity fashion show at Yarm's Tall Trees Hotel donated £2,000 to ABC's work.

The show, A Celebration of Life After Cancer, was held in November and supported by numerous retailers and businesses. Dorothy Irwin, of Hilton, presented a £2,000 cheque to ABC trustee Sylvia Wilson.

Mrs Irwin said "The shows were held on two nights and were a great success. All the models were people who had received cancer treatment, both children and adults. They were extremely professional and had five days of catwalk training.

"There was an audience of hundreds and the special guest was Tyne Tees presenter Pam Royle, who is one of ABC's patrons."

ABC is keen to recruit more volunteers for a range of activities including fund raising. For information contact 01642 650888.