One of cricket's best-known figures is looking forward to the final declaration in our Hospice 2000 Appeal.

Former Test umpire Dickie Bird will be bowling delegates over when he gives the closing address at the National Association of Hospice Fundraisers' annual conference, at the Royal York Hotel this weekend.

And event organiser Janet Morley, who is fundraising manager at York's St Leonard's Hospice, is planning to hit the famous Yorkshireman for six with a piece of good news.

She will be telling Dickie, who is a celebrity friend of the hospice appeal, about the strength of local support which has so far helped to raise £1,845,834 towards the target of £2 million.

"Dickie is a wonderful supporter of the hospice movement and we are delighted he can join us this weekend," said Janet. "He is looking forward to St Leonard's declaring at £2 million not out!"

The Sunday morning address from Dickie will not be the only highlight of the weekend for the 150 delegates expected at the conference, who are all fundraisers from hospices across the UK.

The association allows them to share ideas and keep up to date with issues affecting all of them.

There is a busy schedule of presentations and workshops, and also a social programme allowing time for the delegates to see something of the city, with an open-top bus tour and a ghost walk, as well as relaxation with line dancing and a disco.

Local raconteur David Kendall is to be the after dinner speaker at a gala dinner on Saturday night.