PUB regulars held a series of charity fun nights to help send young cancer sufferer Rebecca Baxter on the trip of a lifetime.

The plucky youngster, who was diagnosed with cancer in November, is due to undergo an operation to remove tumours in her stomach next week.

She has been having treatment at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital, Pendlebury, where she will have the operation.

Rebecca's parents are hoping she will be well enough to go on a dream trip to Australia in the autumn.

Tony and Karen Baxter, of Victoria Street, Clayton-le-Moors, are trying to raise funds so she can visit relatives Down Under in October, and friends and family have rallied round to help her on her way.

A cheque for more than £1,000 handed over to them by staff at The George, Blackburn Road, Accrington, was the latest donation.

Brave Rebecca, eight, is a member of a group of school children called Kids and Co who dance to raise money for charity, although she has not danced since November.

Karen said: "We are hoping to take Rebecca to Western Australia to see my cousin Mandy and her husband Derek, so it is like a goal for her."

"We have raised more than £4,000 for the trip so far and we're looking forward to it as we all need a break."

Anyone who would like to donate money to help little Rebecca take the trip of a lifetime can call Karen or Tony on 01254 397516.

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