'Keep fit and fight a killer disease' is the motto of a Bradford organisation this year.

The district's branch of the Keep Fit Association has chosen the Telegraph & Argus Bradford Can...Cancer Res-earch Appeal as its nominated charity.

For the next 12 months the branch will hold fundraising events to help boost the coffers of the appeal which has just hit its £1 million target.

But more cash is still needed to help research at Bradford University and Bradford Royal Infirmary.

The association's first major fund-raiser will be a festival of movement and dance next month.

Ros Beattie, the association's regional director and public relations officer of the Bradford branch, said they wanted to support a cause that could potentially affect members.

"As a Bradford club we wanted to raise funds for a local charity and what could be better than the Bradford Can...Appeal because, like us, it cares about the health of local people."

During the branch's 40 years in existence, it has raised more than £20,000 for charity.

The association runs about 15 classes every week across Bradford, mainly focusing on the Laban style of dance.

The genre involves analysing movement and choreographing pieces to match dancers' health issues as well as the music.

The festival of movement and dance, which takes place on April 14 and 15, will showcase the work done by class members from all over the city.

Mrs Beattie said one of the aims of the association was to build self confidence and performing was an ideal way to do it.

There will be demonstrations from performing arts students and from dancers who have appeared at the Royal Albert Hall.

"If there are any past members who would like to come along to the festival, we would love to hear from them," Mrs Beattie said.

The performances, at Beckfoot School, Bingley, will begin at 7.30pm and all proceeds will go to the Bradford Can...Appeal.

This year also coincides with the association's 40th anniversary and in October, a Ruby Charity Ball will commemorate the occasion.

That event will also support the Bradford Can...Appeal.

Now the appeal has reached its £1 million target, Cancer Research UK have pledged to give another £5 million to the cause in Bradford.

For tickets to the festival of dance, more information, contact Mrs Beattie on (01274) 841401.

Special section on the Bradford Can... appeal