BURY fund-raisers are being urged to make a French connection and raise vital funds for a hospital scanner.

Local people are being asked to take part in a sponsored European Twin City Challenge to help raise £1 million for a new scanner for Hope Hospital.

And two of the four French towns to be visited during the challenge next April will be Angouleme and Tulle, which are twinned with Bury.

Cash raised will go towards the new scanner which will help an extra 6,000 patients a year including those in Bury and elsewhere throughout the North West.

The challenge will be officially launched on March 30 before a maximum of 50 vehicles depart from the hospital and head for France.

Following civic receptions at the individual destinations, French dignitaries will set the travelling teams a challenge and award points.

All squads will be required to raise a minimum sponsorship prior to their departure. A team consists of two competitors for each vehicle.

The whole challenge will be produced as a TV documentary. Hospital fund-raisers say that the event will be an ideal opportunity for individual teams, company teams, motoring organisations, motor clubs, charities, pubs, clubs, associations or anyone who enjoys a challenge. Glen Lockett, Salford Royal Hospitals Trust fund-raising manager, said: "It will be an ideal tool for local businesses to advertise on vehicles at the same time as supporting a local charity.

"For many organisations, it offers advertising, team building and the chance for all colleagues and staff to become involved, especially with the run-up to Christmas, and to remember the start of the new millennium.

"We are also happy to invite other local or national charities to become involved with the challenge and raise funds for their own appeals."

Bury people are now being urged to help organise a fund-raising event, enter a team or simply forward a donation.

For further information, and to receive registration packs, contact Glen Lockett or Adele Hilton at Hope Hospital on 787 1234.