YOUNGSTERS have netted almost £2,000 for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

More than 250 Year Eight pupils from Kingsdown School took part in a series of sponsored events, raising £1,911, with more sponsorship still coming in.

To raise the money pupils collected sponsorship for events such as basketball, washing cars and penalty shoot-outs.

John Rumble, Head of Year Eight at the school, was pleased with how the students worked together.

He said: "It was very successful. The year pulled together extremely well."

The amount will bring the Adver-backed appeal ever closer to the £1m target helping to provide gynaecological and urological nurses and a palliative consultant for the medical services in Swindon.

Mr Rumble said: "It's an issue that's very close to their hearts, particularly to those students who have had experience with cancer through their families."

Statistics show that cancer is a disease that affects about one in three people.

A unanimous vote to hold the charity project was made after class discussions.

Fundraising spokeswoman Rowena Cotterill said: "The sponsored day seems to have proved a really great initiative. They have supported us before through coffee mornings and we're very grateful."

In 2003, the Advertiser joined forces with Macmillan Cancer Relief in an appeal to raise £600,000 to help those living with Cancer in Swindon.

That target was achieved well before schedule. The aim has since been revised upwards to the £1m mark.

Today's reported figure, raised by the people and businesses of Swindon, stands at £806,600.

The new total is also thanks to the recent fundraising efforts of the security team at the Outlet Village who donated £300 by holding an auction. Also, Laurel Court Residential Home, in Stratton, managed to raise more than £400 through coffee mornings and raffles.

Since Christmas, donations in lieu of Christmas cards raised almost £1,000 and Goddard Park Primary School raised £100.

Contact the appeal office on 01793 432252 for details on how to donate.