A woman left disfigured by skin cancer is warning others to be vigilant for signs of the potentially fatal disease.

Linda Gardner, of Woodside, Bradford, has fought a three-year battle against the disease and has now launched a fundraising drive for a charity set up to improve care for local skin cancer patients.

The 57-year-old has organised a charity night at Low Moor Social Club, Hudders-field Road, on Friday, February 24, from 7.30pm and all proceeds will be given to the Bradford, Airedale and Wharfedale Skin Cancer Charity Trust.

It was three years ago that Mrs Gardner first noticed a mole on her right ankle did not look right.

"There was just something about it," she said. "It was getting on my nerves and I felt there was something wrong."

She went to her GP who referred her to specialists at St Luke's Hospital in Bradford. The mole was removed and a biopsy revealed she had malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.

"I was devastated," she said. "I have never been one for sitting in the sun but I was told the damage could have happened from sunburn when I was just a child."

Despite doctors removing the mole it returned just eight months later and a third operation was required in December last year.

"Each time they have to remove more tissue," said Mrs Gardner, who also had to undergo painful skin grafts from her thigh.

"It is very uncomfortable and it is the disfigurement that has distressed me and caused a lot of stress."

The Gala Casino worker is now campaigning for a greater awareness of the dangers of lying in the sun.

"The only time you find out about skin cancer is in the summer for a couple of weeks," she said. "I think it should be talked about more.

"I don't want to scare anyone but people should take more notice of their moles and if they think it is changing or doesn't feel right they should get it checked out by a doctor."

Dr Andrew Wright, consultant dermatologist at St Luke's Hospital, said: "We see about 50 to 60 cases in Bradford each year and it affects all ages from 15 upwards.

"It is increasing in incidence and cases have doubled in the last 12 to 15 years and it can be serious. Everyone should be vigilant for changing moles or for moles that were not there before.

"About 90 per cent of cases are due to excess sun exposure. It is all about taking care in the sun, not getting burnt, not using sun beds and using sun blocks."

Mrs Gardner said the care she received in Bradford was second to none and is now raising money for the skin cancer charity as a way of saying thank you - particularly to Catherine Wheelhouse, the clinical nurse specialist who has helped her through the ordeal.

She also wants to thank Macmillan Cancer Relief who provided financial help as she has been unable to work for several months.

Tickets for the charity event cost £5 and are available from the Craven Heifer and Admiral Nelson pubs in Manchester Road and the Old Vic in Park Lane.

As well as musical entertainment there will be a raffle and an auction. All money raised will be spent on improving patient care in the district.