A charity group is almost 20 per cent of the way towards its ambitious target of £20,000 to buy vital equipment for Clacton Hospital - but it needs more help.

Clacton Hospital Community Friends wants to buy a prostate scanner for the urology department.

It is the biggest project the group has undertaken but secretary Judy Foord is confident it can be achieved.

"Time and time again the people of Clacton respond to appeals like this and I have no doubt they will help us reach our target this time," she said.

"We launched the appeal in February as our chosen project for 2001 and we already have £3,330 in the bank but we need more as soon as possible."

The effort will be of major benefit to men in Tendring if it is successful and the ultrasound will be used for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.

Mrs Foord is hoping groups and organisations can stage events to raise money and she is also appealing to individuals.

The friends are staging their annual summer fair on August 4 at the hospital.

Kim Smith, a senior urology nurse, along with two consultants are also doing a sponsored "loop the loop" in a glider over Cambridge next month and are looking for sponsors.

Mrs Foord said anyone who wants to sponsor them, could provide raffle prizes for the fair or wants more information should contact her on 01255 435743, or 07929 643651.

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