A DAY in denims raised cash for vital research.

Employees at Hyndburn Council were encouraged to pull on their favourite pair of jeans and donate £1 in support of a 'Jeans for Genes Day'.

Proceeds from the national one-day money-spinner will go to the 1996 Jeans for Genes Appeal, which aims to raise £2 million to fund pioneering research into genetic disorders and help set up a gene therapy centre.

There are more than 4,000 recognised genetic disorders, including metabolic disease, cystic fibrosis, haemophilia and some childhood cancers.

Hyndburn Council leader George Slynn said: "With very little effort and a lot of fun, we can help raise funds for this vital research and give generations of children a future free from inherited disease." Staff at Lucas Rists factory in Pickup Street, Accrington, raised hundreds of pounds by digging out 'bad taste' outfits from their cupboards and attics.

Most of the 700 staff at the works took part in the appeal.

A spokesperson said: "Because most of us wear jeans to work, we decided to wear bad-taste clothes instead.

"The management decided who the worst-dressed people were and the winners were given prizes donated by the sports and social club."

Winners from the day shift were Michelle Keeley, Michelle Gabrille, Annie Newsham and Christopher Hancock.

Worst dressed on the evening shift were Sally Meek, Dawn Kingston, Gill Bolton and Anne Nesbit.

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