BLACKPOOL'S Macmillan Windmill Appeal is edging ever closer to its fundraising target as the March deadline approaches.

The latest round of donations brings the total to £2,363,947 -- less than £100,000 away from the original target to build a new cancer unit at the Blackpool Victoria Hospital.

Seven different groups handed over cheques from their fundraising activities, including this year's World's Biggest Coffee Morning, at a special event at the Tower ballroom last week.

Appeal co-ordinator, Elaine Fossett, said: "I congratulate everyone who has worked so hard to raise the money that has been presented today.

"To the communities of Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre I send my heartfelt appreciation and grateful thanks for their generosity and commitment to improving the lives of our local cancer patients."