WE can put the final decoration on top of our £50,000 in 50 days festive tree thanks to our readers and an All Gold contribution to the cause.

With £4,000 needed from last week's figure to meet our target of £50,000 by the Millennium's end, St Leonard's Hospice has had the best possible Christmas present - a cheque for £7,000 from top local firm Terry's Suchard.

When hospice chief executive Steven Harker visited Terry's Suchard he only knew he was going to hear how the firm was doing to reach their appeal goal of raising £2,000 by the end of this year - he was staggered when he was presented with the actual amount.

He said the confectionery company had always supported the hospice. "When the employees said they were going to try to raise £2,000 we were sure that they would meet their goal, but this is an amazing achievement."

"We are grateful to everyone for their enthusiasm, determination and hard work."

Employees undertook a full programme of fundraising events, starting in May when they gave away hundreds of chocolate orange mini-segments while receiving donations on York Railway Station. A soccer gala and family fun day in the summer raised more than £2,000 and was followed by a come to work in shorts day and then a raffle for two train tickets to anywhere in the country donated by GNER.

The last of the year's events was a collection and raffle at the Christmas dinner.

John Earnshaw, confectionery plant director at Terry's Suchard, said: "This has been an amazing team effort. Everyone was committed to supporting the appeal and we are thrilled at the final total.

"We know how important this redevelopment of the hospice is to the patients and their families."

Our £50,000 in 50 days campaign is part of the overall appeal to raise £2 million by the end of next year for the redevelopment and extension of the hospice.

Carol-singing pupils from Fishergate School, York, have raised £450 for the Hospice 2000 Appeal.

Youngsters who sang their hearts out to shoppers in Coppergate Centre last Friday collected £260. Another £170 was raised at the Fishergate Millennium Adventure, the school's dramatic production, and a further £20 was collected at a Carols By Candlielight evening at the school.

"What will happen will be the people's choice. At the end of the day, it is the people of York that will make the decision."