THE UK's leading authority on cancer research is coming to the North-East to thank three groups of fundraisers.

Professor Gordon McVie, director general of the Cancer Research Campaign (CRC), will meet representatives from fundraising committees in Teesdale, Chester-le-Street and Whitley Bay next week, and present them with certificates.

Between them, the three committees raised £31,200 during 1999 and 2000.

The CRC funds a third of all cancer research in the UK and is the European leader in anti-cancer drug development.

The North-East fundraisers will also hear from two Newcastle cancer researchers sponsored by the CRC.

Professor Herbie Newell, head of cancer therapeutics at Newcastle University's cancer research unit, and Vincent Gnanapragasam, a CRC clinical fellow within Newcastle University's prostate research group, will talk about their work at the CRC regional supporters' conference, at Newcastle University, on Monday.

Pat Bradley, the CRC director for the North-East and Yorkshire, said: "Without the constant backing of our local committees, supporters' groups and numerous individuals, some of whom have been raising money for us for many years, there would be a massive fundraising gap to fill."

Tyneside father Ian McCartney, 48, who made a complete recovery from bowel cancer 20 years ago, will ask conference-goers to support the Cheeky Walk Challenge, a fundraising drive to encourage as many people as possible to go on a sponsored walk during April.

For more information about the Cheeky Walk Challenge, call 0191-281 8288