BACKERS of Bury Cancer Support Centre will be "taking to the hill" on Sunday (May 17) in a new fundraising initiative.

Local businesses and the community are being urged to take part in the centre's "Fill the Hill" event at Peel Tower on Holcombe Hill, beginning at 2pm.

The campaign is intended to unite those who would like to support, fundraise and donate to the charity so it can expand its opening hours and meet increasing demands.

Representatives from the centre on Bolton Road will be joined by businesses who have already signed up to support the year-long project.

The centre, which is entirely self-funded, has permission to use the hill every month to take photos with all of their fundraisers, aiming to "fill the hill" with generous donors committed to helping the charity to expand its services.

Bury's deputy mayor, Sharon Briggs, will launch a balloon race at 2pm and vintage vehicles will ferry people up and down Holcombe Hill. Other attractions include refreshments, tea and cakes, hook-a-duck and a tombola.

Jan Katana, manager of Bury Cancer Support Centre, said: "This is the first time we've launched a fundraising appeal. The idea is to engage with local businesses, schools and people to support us. Our aim is to 'fill the hill' with supporters of the centre."

The support centre was established more than 12 years ago by two nurses who appreciated a need for everyone touched by cancer to find support.

For more information about "Fill the Hill": visit www.burycancersupportcentre.btck.co.uk