WHAT a wonderful way to herald the Bank Holiday weekend - with the news that our Hospice Appeal has smashed through the £500,000 barrier.

Even better, we reached the target two weeks ahead of schedule. That is a massive boost to the campaign to raise £2 million for the redevelopment of St Leonard's Hospice.

Readers have responded magnificently to the Millennium Appeal. Thanks to everyone who has helped - and here's to the next £500,000!

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.