A CHARITY which aims to improve support services for cancer patients is holding a major fundraising event later this month.

The Macmillan Cancer Relief County Durham Appeal committee is trying to raise £600,000 to appoint the county's first pain control consultant and an additional two nurses.

The appeal is going Irish for a ceilidh next Saturday, - the eve of St Patrick's Day. It will feature dancing to live music from the Dusk Till Dawn Ceilidh Band, and supper is included. Tickets cost £10, £5 for under-16s.

"It should be a really lovely family event," said appeal spokeswoman Caroline Peacock. "The appeal is going really well and more and more people are getting involved but we need to keep up the momentum."

Meanwhile, the charity is on the lookout for a photocopier. Anyone who has one to spare, or a local business willing to sponsor the rental costs, can contact the appeal office.

On Monday, the office moved across Durham, from Framwellgate Moor ambulance station, to Meadowfield clinic.

Mrs Peacock said both Northumbria Ambulance service and Durham Primary Care Group had been very generous in their support, giving office furniture and free accomodation.

The new address is 1 Frederick Street South, Meadowfield, Durham, DH7 8LZ, telephone 0191-3781188.