A local newspaper has helped raise more than half a million pounds for a new scanner to treat cancer patients at a Doncaster hospital.

For the last three-and-a-half years the Doncaster Free Press and its readers have been collecting cash to buy new state-of-the-art equipment for Doncaster Royal Infirmary through its Scan For Life appeal.

In the latest edition of the paper it was announced that Christmas had came early for readers after hospital bosses revealed the scanner is up and running and saving lives – ahead of schedule.

Free Press readers have raised the £600,000 through a variety of fund-raising initiatives including the Midnight Walk – a moonlit stroll for all ages around Doncaster’s Lakeside area, an annual Christmas Carol Concert and the Memory Tree where shoppers are encouraged to make a donation to remember loved ones in return for a decoration to place on their own Christmas tree.

The Doncaster Freee Press' front page splash

South Yorkshire Newspapers’ editor-in-chief Graeme Huston said: “It has been a tremendous effort from our readers who have been marvellous in responding to our appeal.

“We know our readers are dedicated and compassionate when it comes to raising money and I am sure the rest of the funds will soon push us over the finishing line for this very worthy and valuable cause.”

The Free Press has a long-standing association with Doncaster Cancer Detection Trust, the charity behind the campaign, which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2012.

For the millennium, the paper spearheaded the Millennium Million campaign to raise £1million and the title has also been instrumental in collecting cash to help to build, equip and run Doncaster’s St John’s Hospice which first opened its doors in 1992.

The Scan For Life appeal still needs another £8,000 to reach its target but organisers are confident the funds will roll in over the next few weeks.