THE campaign launched last year to set up the first clinics in the country dedicated to the detection and treatment of bowel cancer has reached its £100,000 target.

The Clear Cancer Campaign has taken Craven by storm with hundreds of people and charities pulling together to join in with the massive fundraising drive.

Throughout the year the Herald has reported on everything from dragon boat racing and abseiling to coffee mornings and jumble sales to raise money for the campaign.

The fundraising target was finally realised last week after £10,000 was donated by Skipton Building Society.

The Clear Cancer Campaign was launched by Skipton Rotary Club last June to promote awareness of the disease's symptoms.

In just over a year the £100,000 target has been met and enough funds have been raised to set up a fortnightly clinic at Airedale Hospital for screening and treatment.

Rotary member Brian Ludlam, chairman of Ebor Fabrics in Embsay, thought up the idea of having bowel cancer clinics having fought the disease himself.

He said: "We are amazed at the response and delighted at SBS's generous donation of £10,000. We now hope to continue raising even more money for the Clear Campaign."

John Goodfellow, chief executive of SBS, said: "With many people being affected by cancer in some way during their lifetime, I am delighted that the local community has pulled together to help those who are suffering from this disease. Not only has this project raised awareness of cancer within our community, it is actually saving lives as we speak."

* Bowel cancer sufferers, families and health staff raised more than £3,000 for the Craven Clear Cancer Campaign in a sponsored walk around Airton and Malham. The event was organised by specialist nurses at Airedale.