The picturesque walled city of York has been chosen as a destination for children suffering from cancer to take time out from their stressful treatment regimes.

Moonbeams, a children's cancer charity based in Edinburgh, has bought a £57,000 three-bedroom house in Osbaldwick Lane, York, to act as a home for visiting families enjoying a week-long break in the city.

Until now the seven-year-old charity has limited itself to fulfilling childrens' dreams by sending them off to Euro Disney in Paris and Disneyworld in Florida, plus Holland and Spain, organising outings to the cinema and theatre and introducing children to their favourite celebrities.

But now they have bought their first holiday home property and chosen York, with its tourist attractions, leisure activities and links with Leeds and the coast, as the prime location.

Willie Power, a director of the charity, said: "The idea of this house is that the family will not sit in it all day but will get out and about to enjoy the city and what it has to offer.

"That's why we picked York - because it's so central.

"We are intending to get hold of rail cards and give the families spending money as well.

"We are going to pull out all the stops to make the house nice so that if some of the children are ill and want to sit in the house one day they will be able to.

"We are planning to install a Sony PlayStation, TV and video, and all sorts of other things to amuse them."

Apart from donations, Moonbeams makes most of its money through the Sweet Tooth appeal, which provides packets of sweets to businesses and offices with all £1 donations going to the charity.

Over the last seven years more than 300 children have been sent on holidays, met famous names and attended pop concerts.

"We just want to help these kids and I thought York would be a good first step," said Mr Power.

The house is being refurbished and is expected to admit its first family in July.

For more information contact Moonbeams on 0131 4787978.

If you would like to support the charity's Sweet Tooth appeal, ring 0800 0562425.

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