POORLY children at York Hospital were given an Easter treat as part of a fundraising campaign by York Against Cancer.

The charity, which is currently running a £200,000 campaign to provide counselling for patients at the hospital's Cancer Care Centre, raffled a giant hand-made Easter egg to help boost the appeal total.

Ticket sales raised £220, and the generous raffle winner, Alexander Anderson immediately donated the egg to the hospital's children's ward.

Yesterday the giant chocolate egg, which was specially made by Derek Harper, was taken on to the ward where it was shared out among the children.

Other donated eggs were also delivered as a special Easter treat.

Pat Leveson, fundraising chairman of York Against Cancer, said the appeal had reached a total of £47,000 in just two months.

She said: "People are so generous, we have reached an amazing appeal total in such a short time.

"And the children loved the chocolate eggs."

To help the appeal contact York Against Cancer on 01904 764466.

Updated: 09:34 Thursday, April 17, 2003