CHARITY workers are ready for spring and their biggest fundraising event of the year.

Volunteers at Marie Curie Cancer Care hope supporters will buy a silk flower during their annual daffodil campaign, which runs throughout next month, to raise funds for the charity.

The charity's Durham and Chester-le-Street branch is staging its main event in Durham City's Market Place on Saturday, March 11.

Starting at 10am, volunteers will man a stall selling the flowers, while Pittington Brass Band and Durham Rams Morris Men will keep people entertained.

Community fundraising manager Linda McDonough said: "We would like to see all of Durham wearing their daffodils on March 11, and come to see us in the Market Place.

"The day always draws a crowd, and it is our major fundraising event of the year, with all the funds raised in the area staying in the area.

"We have boxes and boxes of daffodils, and we want them all sold on the day"

The annual campaign is the mainstay of the charity's funding, helping to keep the organisation's nursing teams operating, including more than 40 in the district.

Events will continue throughout next month. Anyone interested in holding a coffee morning or other event is asked to ring 0191-382 3311.