FUNDRAISERS are urging people to turn out and help them raise £500,000 by the end of the year.

Organisers of the Macmillan Cancer Relief's County Durham Appeal believe they have a good chance of reaching the target.

Caroline Peacock, co-manager of the appeal, said: "If plenty of people attend our fundraising events between now and Christmas, we could actually go through the half million barrier by the end of the year, which would be fantastic."

It had been expected to take until the end of next year to reach the ultimate target of £600,000.

The money is already being used to improve services and support for people with cancer, their families and carers, increasing the number of palliative care consultants and nurses throughout the county.

The appeal has just received a £2,000 boost, the proceeds of County Durham's first Great Milk (Stout) Ride, held at Hamsterley Forest in July.

Nearly 100 cyclists and a number of walkers took part in the event, which was started by celebrity botanist and local resident David Bellamy.

Mrs Peacock said: "We would particularly like to thank Vicky Chilcott, the main organiser of the event."

Upcoming events include a Christmas open evening at Strikes Garden Centre, at Lambton Park, Chester-le-Street, on Wednesday, November 19.

Plantcare expert Alan Delamore will talk about how to look after plants received as gifts, and Kathleen Laybourne will demonstrate how to make Christmas displays and gifts.

The event starts at 7pm. Tickets cost £5, including refreshments, and are available from the garden centre on 0191-385 5154.

Addisons Auctioneers, of Barnard Castle, County Durham, is holding private viewings of its Christmas antiques and collectables sale on Wednesday, December 3, between 6.30pm and 8.30pm. Tickets cost £5, including refreshments, and are available on (01833) 690545.

The Macmillan Christmas Concert takes place at Elvet Methodist Church, in Durham, at 7.30pm on Friday, December 5.

James Lancelot will conduct the Durham University Choral Society in a programme that includes Vivaldi's Gloria, while Kath Ireland and the Ormston Singers will also perform.

Tickets cost £7.50, including mince pies and punch, and are available on 0191-378 1188.