WOMEN'S Institute members pledged yesterday to turn their baubles into brass to fund research into Britain's biggest killer disease.

Thousands of women around County Durham will be following celebrities such as Victoria Wood, Joanna Lumley, Richard Whiteley and Norma Major, by donating unwanted or broken jewellery to the Heart Research Treasure Chest Appeal.

A beaded blue necklace given by the Dinner Ladies star Victoria Wood was on display when the appeal was launched in the county at the WI Federation's autumn council meeting, held in Bishop Auckland Methodist Chapel.

Since the late Jill Dando first opened the Treasure Chest in 1997, WI members have raised £60,000 of its £84,000 contribution towards research into the prevention and cure of heart disease.

Heart Research presently funds £1.4m of research projects, including the world's first permanent artificial heart device given to a 61-year-old British man, last June

The charity's fundraising manager Helen Atkins urged the 170 delegates at yesterday's meeting to fill envelopes with unwanted or broken jewellery and watches, including odd earrings and cufflinks.

These will be passed to auctioneers Phillips, whose offices throughout the North are also acting as collection points. Jewellers Beaverbrooks are also taking in gifts.

Durham's WI chairman Dorothy Proud, from Evenwood, said: "I am sure we will get a good response from our members.

"Almost all of them will have friends or relatives who have been affected by heart disease."

For information on the fund, contact Helen Atkins on (0113) 2347474.