TODAY we are asking our readers to put their support and fund raising know-how behind a cause that's likely to touch every family.

The East Lancashire Magic Eye Cancer Scanner Appeal will raise £200,000 to buy state-of-the-art equipment which can diagnose types of cancer responsible for one in seven cancer deaths.

Over the coming weeks you will have lots of opportunities to dig into your own pocket or take part in collections and fun events to raise much needed cash to bring the scanner to East Lancashire for the benefit of local patients.

The machine has already proved its worth at the Royal Liverpool Hospital and its presence here will help East Lancashire move one step closer to becoming a regional cancer centre.

If you have fund raising ideas for your neighbourhood or workplace, don't hesitate to get in touch with one of the area representatives whose contact details are in tonight's paper. They are waiting to hear from you!

Also if you want to give money yourself or on behalf of others you can do so at any of our offices, Queens Park Hospital, Blackburn, on line or at any branch of Lloyds TSB bank.

One of the area's major employers, brewer Daniel Thwaites, has already thrown its weight behind the appeal by sponsoring the car sticker that comes free with today's Lancashire Evening Telegraph.

So help to start the ball rolling by getting your car "stuck in" with our sticker and publicly pledge your backing to the campaign.

It's a big challenge that cannot succeed without your help. But you, the big-hearted people of East Lancashire, have shown time and again that you relish taking up such challenges when the cause is so worthwhile.

Now we need your support again because it is the only way the Magic Eye Cancer Scanner can be brought to East Lancashire in 2002.

We know we can count on your support.