A regional daily is hoping to mark its 150th anniversary by raising a million pounds for cancer care on its patch.

The Northern Echo has announced its anniversary appeal in aid of the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s official charity.

The aim of the campaign is to establish a centre of excellence by expanding and improving the chemotherapy day unit at the University Hospital of North Durham in 2020, when the Echo celebrates the milestone.

The Darlington-based newspaper splashed on the appeal’s launch, pictured below.

Editor Hannah Chapman said: “Cancer touches so many lives and it is clear that despite the amazing staff, the unit at Durham could deliver a much better service for people at such a traumatic times in their lives.

“We are determined to help them achieve their fundraising goal as The Northern Echo prepares to mark our milestone anniversary.”

Pat Chambers, charity manager for the trust, told the Echo: “The huge financial pressure on the NHS means we need the public’s help to provide state-of-the-art facilities for those being treated for cancer, and we are delighted that The Northern Echo is adopting the appeal for its 150th anniversary as a great campaigning newspaper.

“This appeal will benefit families in every corner of County Durham because patients come to the unit in the first stages of their treatment before continuing their care at hospitals closest to their homes.”