Bradford's Lord Mayor, Tony Miller, today gave a big thank you to the public for helping to raise thousands of pounds towards vital equipment for premature babies.

The Lord Mayor's Appeal is now virtually certain of reaching its target of between £100,000 and £120,000.

And today the message from Councillor Miller was: "Thanks a million for your generosity."

The appeal touched the hearts of thousands of people, who organised events, saved up or had collections.

Coun Miller said companies and organisations had come up trumps.

But he had special praise for the many "mams, dads, children, grans, and grandads" who had joined in to help the babies.

In the latest event Bradford Chamber of Trade raised a mammoth £3,000 at a dinner dance in the Midland Hotel.

Eric Hudson, president of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said he was "astounded and delighted" at the success of the event which had raised such a massive amount. He thanked everyone involved.

Companies, including the Telegraph & Argus, supported the event attended by the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress.

Coun Miller said today he was delighted the ambitious target, which will buy equipment in the special care baby units at Bradford Royal Infirmary and Airedale Hospital, had been reached.

He said: "A lot of this is down to the mams, dads and grandparents who have chipped in as well as the larger concerns and many companies.

"Our children are our future and this is all-important."

The success of this year's appeal follows the collection of £120,000 last year for the Bradford Royal Infirmary Burns Unit and War on Cancer. That appeal was launched by former Lord Mayor Councillor Tony Cairns.

Coun Miller and his wife launched their appeal with the memory of the heartbreak they suffered after losing premature twins as a young couple.

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