AWARD-winning playwright HAROLD PINTER was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in January. He made his first public appearance since chemotherapy treatment at the Edinburgh International Book Festival in August.

Today the 71-year-old took time out from his demanding schedule to back the Magic Eye Scanner Appeal in East Lancashire.

AS A writer, actor and dramatist, Hackney-born Harold Pinter has scooped awards across the globe including a CBE, the European Prize for Literature and 14 honorary degrees.

He was recently made a Companion of Honour in the Queen's Birthday Honours list for his services to literature.

And hundreds of pupils across East Lancashire may have studied some of his most acclaimed works including The Room, The Birthday Party or The Caretaker as part of their English A-level studies.

Today, as he recovers from chemotherapy treatment for oesophagus cancer, Mr Pinter donated £500 to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph appeal.

The appeal hopes to raise £200,000 for an endoscopic ultrasound scanner, which was used as part of Mr Pinter's treatment. The state-of-the-art equipment will help cancer sufferers across East Lancashire with the faster diagnosis of stomach and throat cancer.

Mr Pinter said: "The proposal to establish an endoscopic ultrasound scanner in East Lancashire is a proposal of the first importance.

"The use of a scanner in my recent treatment of oesophageal cancer was an essential element in that treatment.

"I think the money so far raised for this scanner is very heartening and I send my very best wishes for the project."

Mr Pinter's battle against cancer was the inspiration for a new work entitled Cancer Cells. The idea for the poem was triggered by a nurse, administering chemotherapy treatment at the Royal Marsden Hospital, who said cancer cells "are those which have forgotten how to die".

The writer said the poem represents the feeling of facing death and has since said the experience of cancer was like a "dark dream".

Sheila Shaw, appeal co-ordinator, said: "This support from such a prolific figure is tremendous for the appeal and will give everyone a tremendous boost.

"Cancer can strike anyone down and everyone reacts in different ways. Of course our best wishes go to Mr Pinter for a full recovery and sincere thanks for this generous donation."

Mr Pinter is also known for his political opinions and has openly scorned Tony Blair and Bill Clinton for their actions in war.

He is an active campaigner and currently endorses several movements including the Kurdish Human Rights Project, the National Assembly against Racism, the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and the Campaign Against Sanctions in Iraq.