THIS week's announcement that the Macmillan Cancer Relief County Durham Appeal has been such an outstanding success is very welcome news indeed.

The appeal set out three years ago to plug a hole in health care in the region: Durham was the only English county without its own dedicated palliative care consultant.

It was a wrong which needed to be put right. The Northern Echo was asked to support the appeal and was proud to do so.

The appeal has gone on to exceed all expectations. County Durham has not just one palliative care specialist, but two. It also has an increased number of Macmillan nurses, improved information points for patients and better training for family doctors.

To raise £760,000 in such a short time is a remarkable achievement and our congratulations go to the appeal's chairman Ian Bonas, co-managers Caroline Peacock and Caroline Broadfoot, and everyone else who has helped.

Their work will be of enormous benefit to families affected by the scourge of cancer.

And our thanks are due once again to our readers whose generosity never ceases to amaze us when we ask for their support.