EFFORTS to raise funds for the Macmillan Windmill Appeal, supported by the Citizen, are already intensifying.

Last week in conjunction with the appeal we launched the Little Champions - Fylde schoolchildren who will help us reach the target of £2.9 million to build a specialist cancer unit at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

And now the appeal has received the backing of the Blackpool branch of the HSBC bank.

Every month the Citizen will elect a Little Champion who we believe has done the most to help the Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

And every Little Champion will now have a young savers bank account opened for them by the HSBC with £5 to put in it.

Blackpool branch manager Kevin Molloy said: "We are delighted to be supporting such a worthy appeal.

"The aim of the appeal follows in line with our company's policy of local services for local people.

"The whole idea of having a cancer service locally is one we fully support."

Appeal co-ordinator Elaine Fossett said: "What fantastic news that the HSBC are with us.

"Everyone concerned with the Macmillan Windmill Appeal and Little Champions are delighted.

"It means so much to us to have such a section of the business community behind us and are extremely grateful for the bank's generosity.

"This is another example of the strength of feeling involved in getting a cancer unit on the Fylde Coast and everyone can get involved be it big businesses or individuals."

In addition Hall Park County Primary School, Lytham, have announced funds from the official opening of their recently built Millennium Hall next month will go to the Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

Pictured is young Natasha Singleton meeting Victor the Bear, the campaign mascot.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.