Long-serving Tony Sockett has chosen the trust as one of his beneficiaries for the forthcoming year - a privilege granted to Coun Sockett as the newly-appointed chair of Doncaster Council.

And on the eve of their 35th anniversary dinner at Mansion House, the Bentley representative has declared his admiration for the work of the town's oldest cancer charity.

"I had a bit of a scare earlier this year when I found a lump in my chest," he said.

"Fortunately when I got it checked out at DRI it has not proven to be anything serious, but it highlighted to me how it can happen to anyone - not just smokers.

"The help and professionalism - and the support I got - at DRI was absolutely first class," he added.

Throughout the next year Mr Sockett will endorse DCDT and oversee specific fundraising events that will boost their coffers.

"I've always tried to help and support the trust over the years," he said. "And I've also lost a number of friends in the not too distant past and cancer has been the cause so that's another reason for choosing them."

Mr Sockett will be among the guests at this year's official charity dinner and auction, which is being held tomorrow night.

Anyone who has not been able to get tickets for the sold-out fundraising fare, there may still be time to take part in what promises to be a keenly contested auction via telephone.

Lots include dinner for four at the Mansion House, two VIP tickets to Doncaster Rovers' pre-season friendly against Manchester United, a picture by local artist Ashley Jackson and a golf day for four at Hickleton Golf Club.

Meanwhile, Donny diva Lesley Garrett has donated a pair of VIP tickets to her gala concert in Scarborough on Saturday, October 13, together with the chance to meet her backstage.

Contact the trust on (01302) 349177 or email paul.goodwin@doncastertoday.co.uk with details of the items you are interested in, your name and telephone number before noon tomorrow to take part.

Telephone bidders will be contacted at approximately 10pm tomorrow evening at the commencement of the auction.

l A coffee and bingo evening at Blaxton Village Hall, meanwhile, raised over £500 for the appeal.

Over 70 guests enjoyed refreshments, five games of bingo and also took part in a bring and buy sale.

Organiser and DCDT committee member Dorothy Sedgwick said: "It went very well. We raised £560 so for a little village that's quite good - it exceeded our expectations."

lA 35th anniversary service for the Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust and St John's Hospice will be held at St George's Minster on Sunday at 3pm.

l Donations to this year's appeal can be made by visiting the trust at 4 East Laith Gate with cheques made payable to Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust.

Funds may also be paid directly into the campaign account: Co-operative Bank, account number 50326679.

Anyone organising a fundraising event should contact the Free Press for publicity on (01302) 347260.