REGULARS at a pub near York have rallied round to give a barmaid the trip of her dreams - after doctors told her she had a year to live.

Mother-of-three Denise Scott, from Dunnington, was recently given the tragic news by doctors after cancer was found in her kidney and lung.

Kind-hearted locals at the village pub, the Cross Keys, where she worked for years, have now raised about £1,300 to pay for a luxury trip to the capital for Denise and her husband, John.

Denise, 47, has always wanted to visit London and has never even stayed in a hotel before.

"It's so sad what's happened, but I've go to remain positive - there's no point sitting at home crying about it," said Denise, who has just been taken off debilitating chemotherapy injections.

"I've always wanted to visit London and can now do it in style. It's always been my dream to go there.

"I can't thank everyone enough."

Landlady Gill Singleton, who started the fundraising for Denise by asking staff to donate their £300 lottery fund, said: "When she told me it was terminal I asked her what was the one thing she wanted to do and she said go to London.

"It's fantastic we can help her to realise her dreams. I'd like to thank everyone who has helped.

"Denise has always been there for me. If I was short of staff I could always drag her out of bed.

"It's the least we could do."

The money was raised by a raffle and prize draw at the pub.

Denise plans to stay in a luxury hotel and take in a top West End show as well as go on the London Eye.

"It has been a very traumatic time," said Denise, whose daughter Michelle has returned from Benidorm to be at her side.

"I'm just trying to live life to the full. If I'm well enough I get out of the house - even if it's just for a walk into town."

Updated: 11:37 Wednesday, April 24, 2002