A north-west daily has launched an audacious bid to raise £200,000 and double the number of hours of care provided by cancer nurses.

The Bolton News has teamed up with Marie Curie Cancer Care to drum up support for the charity which provides support for terminally ill patients and allows them to be cared for and die at home.

NHS Bolton has said it will match the £200,000 figure, if it is raised over the next 12 months, which will be used to double the number of caring hours Marie Curie provides.

Bolton has 21 Marie Curies nurses which last year provided more than 12,000 hours of care.

During 2007/08 there 661 deaths from cancer in Bolton yet only 140 people died at home.

The charity's eventual aim is to double the number of hours of care it can provide nationally by 2013.

Bolton News editor Ian Savage said in a launch message: "Marie Curie nurses do a wonderful and often emotionally challenging job.

"Their work allows people with terrible illnesses to die with dignity and in the comfort and familiar surroundings of their own homes.

"We are happy to be supporting this bid to raise £200,000, and I feel sure the generous people of Bolton will do us proud."

A launch event for the campaign was held at Bolton Town Hall and was attended by the charity's fundraiser and civic dignitaries.