GENEROUS residents, visitors and staff at a unit for elderly people with mental health problems used small change to make a big impression on a city-based fundraising campaign.

They were keen to take part in the Macmillan Miles Challenge. But because residents at Cherry Tree House, in Fifth Avenue, Tang Hall, were unable to walk, hop or skip for a mile, they decided to spell out a special greeting in coppers instead.

After collecting the small change for the past two months, occupational therapists Helen Reaston and Laura Johnson, together with all the residents and staff, helped to create the money 'poster'.

Carol Tulliver, administration officer at the unit, said everyone was happy to get involved - raising almost £100 in the process.

Carol said: "The staff are really hard-working people - they are worth a diamond brick - and this was done as part and parcel of their day.

"We have 20 residents and a thriving day care section and they all took part. They love to be involved, especially when they see the end result.

Shoppers at the McArthur Glen designer outlet village in York will be encouraged to place their loose change in a line tomorrow as part of the same fundraising appeal.

Updated: 09:24 Saturday, May 24, 2003