A regional daily has smashed its target of raising £3m for the industry’s longest-running appeal before Christmas.

HTFP reported in October how he Yorkshire Evening Post’s Half and Half Appeal, which was launched in 1982, was aiming to make the target by 25 December.

Now the campaign, thought to be the longest of its kind in the country, has hit the milestone two weeks before Christmas Day.

Proceeds from the appeal are split between two Leeds hospices – St Gemma’s and Sue Ryder Wheatfields.

YEP editor Laura Collins, pictured, said: “Since it began in 1982, the Half and Half Appeal has touched the very heart of the people of Leeds.

“It has been a much loved institution in our city for almost four decades.

“The monies raised through generous donations from YEP readers has helped considerably to boost the running costs, which are desperately needed to keep our hospices functioning.

“Every single penny is put to good use. Our hospices, whose services and care are available to everyone in the city should they need it, are vital.”