STRIPPING off and dressing up are two activities which have been helping to swell the coffers of the St Leonard's Hospice Millennium Appeal.

With teeth firmly gritted, Gary Penk and Kevin Parker, who work for Pocklington-based Lafarge Redland Aggregates, rolled up their trouser legs to join in a sponsored leg wax.

The waxing was held as part of York's Let's Party event in aid of the hospice's £2 million appeal to build a new annexe. The appeal total currently stands at £1,555,403.83.

The plucky pair was encouraged by the Evening Press's sales team to face the wax stripping skills of Anna Watford, from Croppers in Shambles, York.

Their colleagues chipped in to put them through the pain barrier and the resulting £170 was matched by Lafarge Redland and £340 was presented to the hospice. Gary, sales representative for Wetherby, York, Pocklington and Malton, said: "Kevin and I were delighted to respond to the Evening Press's request to join in and support the Hospice 2000 Appeal.

"I have had personal experience of the care that St Leonard's gives to the patients and their families and I know how important this redevelopment is."

Judith Hainsworth, of the hospice, said: "We hope that our supporters get fun out of fundraising, but on these occasions the fun seems to be for the observers. We would like to thank Gary and Kevin and all of their supporters at Lafarge Redland Aggregates for supporting our Millennium Appeal."

Meanwhile, the knitting needles of Kathleen Martin have been clicking away since January to dress more than 100 dolls, which are being sold to boost the appeal.

Kathleen, who lives in Dringhouses, York, launched her knitting marathon after her daughter-in-law, Jenny, who works for St Leonard's, came up with the idea. "I know how well St Leonard's looks after patients and their families. I wanted to help them with their appeal and I am delighted that the dolls have sold so well," said Kathleen.

The dolls have proved popular, but there are still a few available at the hospice's shops and at its Christmas shop at 11 Blake Street in York.

The St Leonard's Hospice website, www.stleonardshospice.org.uk, contains a wealth of useful information and details of how to donate.