The Telegraph & Argus Bradford Crocus Cancer appeal got a huge boost at Saturday’s Positive Bradford event when Blue Peter gardener Chris Collins added some high profile backing to the campaign.

The appeal is aimed at raising £1 million to pay for a cutting-edge machine, the spectrometer, that will enable the University of Bradford to further its pioneering work in cancer treatment.

As well as Mr Collins’ appearance on the main stage in front of City Hall talking about the campaign, and at the Crocus stall to hand out bulbs and plant pots donated by Bradford-based supermarket group Morrisons, the day also saw the planting of hundreds of bulbs that will eventually flower to create a large Crocus Appeal symbol.

The planting took place on a grass verge in City Park, and by springtime the symbol will be clear to anyone passing by on Prince’s Way.

Mr Collins, who lived in Pudsey as a child, said: “I love visiting Bradford. I come back here quite a lot. Today we’re giving bulbs away so it is a chance for the kids to get involved in the appeal.”

Davide Calogero, head of development at the University of Bradford, which is also involved in the appeal, said: “These bulbs will flower in about six months when we’ll be well into our appeal, and it will provide a symbol for people to see.”