People across Bradford are stepping up their efforts to raise £1 million for cancer research.

Individuals, schools, churches, pubs, community groups and businesses across the city are being spurred on by the news that cash they raise will be matched by Sovereign Health Care in Manningham Lane, Bradford.

The non-profit making firm, which has a distinguished record of supporting health charities and appeals, has pledged to give £100,000 under its match-funding offer to Bradford Can... which will fund cancer research at the University of Bradford's Cancer Research Unit and clinical trials of anti-cancer drugs at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Members of St Anthony's RC Church, Clayton, have already raised £900. The church decided to adopt the charity for its fundraising efforts for six months and in the first ten weeks has had a terrific response from church members.

Fundraising began with a bonfire in November. Since then money has been collected in film canisters, which the appeal encourages people to fill with donations and through a table top sale.

Church member Alice Isitt said: "We have had a wonderful response and are planning a series of events in the next few months.. Children at St Anthony's Primary School will be getting involved by filling film canisters.

"We have raised quite a lot of money so far and it is wonderful to know that every pound will be matched by Sovereign Health Care."

Nine-year-old Mark Burn, of Harper Crescent, Idle, has raised £50 by selling Christmas cards he designed himself, much to the delight of his parents Carol and Gary.

Regulars at the Queen Hotel, Thornton Road, Bradford, took part in a sponsored head shave to raise money for the appeal.

Licensee Darren Parker said: "One of our regulars, Angie Pearson, had her head shaved because her husband has bone cancer, which is now in remission. I also had my head shaved because I said I would if she raised more than £300 - and she raised £534.

"We are also holding a raffle and hope to take the total up to £600."

Wibsey company White Rose Mortgage and Insurance Solutions plan to give £10 to the appeal every time someone takes out a building or home contents insurance policy with them.

Director Andrew Gould said: "We want to do something good for the local community. It is brilliant news that everything we raise will be doubled by Sovereign Healthcare.

"Together we can make a real difference."