IT'S chocs away for our Hospice 2000 Appeal as it enters the last full year of campaigning.

York chocolate makers Terry's Suchard has given an All Gold boost to the appeal to build a new extension to St Leonard's Hospice.

The confectioners' staff raised £595 at their Christmas lunch, and then the company donated a further £2,000 to the £2 million appeal.

Factory director John Earnshaw delivered the cheque to the hospice in Tadcaster Road, and also gave patients and staff a large selection of chocolate products made at the factory in Bishopthorpe Road.

Hospice chief executive Steven Harker said: "We are most grateful to Terry's Suchard for their continued support, particularly with such a generous donation.

"It is a great encouragement to all our staff and patients, and the chocolates are a real treat!"

The donation comes as the appeal total reaches £432,823.

Meanwhile, the Volunteer Arms pub at Acomb is set to give another helping hand to the appeal when regulars take part in a football match against the Golden Ball tomorrow.

Landlord Tony Lowe said there would be some fund-raising after the match on Knavesmire.

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