FUNDRAISERS hope to make a mint for a leading cancer charity with a rock solid new idea.

The Fylde fund-raising group of Manchester's Christie Hospital have produced more than 1,000 sticks of peppermint flavoured rock in the hospital's pink, purple and white colours.

The rock will be sold this summer at events such as Tram Sunday on July 20 and Cleveleys Jubilee Day on August 16.

The group, which has been boosted by an influx of new members with new ideas, hope that the rock idea will help them match last year's total of £15,000, which has been handed over to Christie's Paediatric Oncology Fund to finance research into children's cancers and improve the quality of life for young patients.

The money was raised through street and supermarket collections and events such as bring and buy sales, coffee mornings and tombolas.

The group's vice-chairman, Joan Broughton, said: "We have several events in the pipeline and hope to have made at least as much for Christie's this time next year."

"Some of the new members have either been treated themselves or have family members being treated there."

One new member, Jackie Melling, from Bispham, is organising a swimathon for Christie's at Moor Park baths on July 5. Mum of four Jackie became involved with the charity after her 14-year-old daughter, Kimberley had radiotherapy at the hospital after developing a brain tumour three years ago. Kimberley still receives check ups at Christie's and hopes to become a doctor when she is older.

Other forthcoming events include a charity night with Garry Robbie at North Shore Gold Club on August 9.

Christie's regional appeals officer, Rachel Roberts, said: "The Fylde group is going from strength to strength - their Christie rock is a great idea.

"A lot of cancer patients from this area are treated at Christie's, especially those with unusual or hard to treat tumours.

"This reflects the fact that we are the largest cancer research and treatment centre in Europe - and we need a continuing flow of charitable funds for vital research and life-saving equipment."

Anyone interested in joining Christie's Fylde fund-raisers can contact Rachel on 0161 446 3988.