STAFF and customers at Skipton Building Society are showing their star quality this month by supporting the Cancer Research Campaign's annual Starflower Appeal.

In a bid to raise at least £2,000, 20 branches across the country have pledged to promote the charity's delicate blue starflower emblem, for a suggested donation of £1, throughout May and June.

On Monday, at the Bailey headquarters, head of communications Mark Smitheringale and customer advisor Judy Lawton were presented with a starflower buttonhole by the charity's representative Gillian Dodd.

Mr Smitheringale said: "We are delighted that we have had such a positive response not only from branches wanting to get involved, but also from members of the public."

Mrs Dodd added: "Remember that every penny really does count and by wearing a starflower you'll be helping us continue funding the best research into new and more effective treatments for cancer."

The campaign adopted the blue starflower as its emblem because of its reputed anti-cancer properties and also because it was seen as a symbol of hope and courage.

Soft furnishings company Ponden Mill, whose head office is at Silsden, is also supporting the charity appeal, and hopes to raise at least £7,000.

Managing director John Taylor said : "We are playing only a small part in a much larger fundraising effort, but I hope that our commitment to the campaign encourages other retailers and organisations to offer assistance."

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