EAST Lancashire's MPs today backed the Lancashire Evening Telegraph Magic Eye Appeal.

Yesterday Prime Minister Tony Blair threw his weight behind the appeal with a personal message of support for the drive to raise the cash for the machine which detects cancers of the stomach and throat.

The appeal is backed by the local health trust and Blackburn brewer Daniel Thwaites.

Foreign Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw said: "I think this is a splendid campaign by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph and the local community.

"I am all in favour of moves to boost NHS services and to bring local people together in the drive to improve health in the region.

"I am delighted that the Evening Telegraph and the local NHS are working together to improve the health of everyone in the region."

Hyndburn MP Greg Pope said: "Its wonderful that everyone is working together to bring a state-of-the-art technology to the area. This will be of major benefit to cancer sufferers and cancer specialists.

"I am delighted that the Evening Telegraph is working with the local NHS and local people to assist the rebirth of the health service in the area. I wish it every success."

Ribble Valley Tory MP Nigel Evans said: "This appeal is a splendid idea. This is essential equipment in the fight against cancer. I hope everybody will get behind this campaign which is a major contribution by the Evening Telegraph to the health of its readers and others in the area.

"I hope the government will back the money raised pound for pound.''

Rossendale and Darwen Labour MP Janet Anderson said: "This is a wonderful idea. I congratulate the Evening Telegraph for this imaginative initiative which will improve the health care for the people of East Lancashire."

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