ONE of York's most high-profile employers today gave its backing to the £300,000 Evening Press Guardian Angels appeal.

Hundreds of staff at city bus operator First will help raise thousands of pounds for our campaign to change the face of high-dependency care on York Hospital's children's ward, after the company named the appeal as its charity for the year.

And proving charity begins at home, the Evening Press Staff Liaison Council (SLC), which represents our 320-strong workforce, also hopes to raise at least £5,000 during a 12-month fundraising drive.

Bosses at First today said they were "proud and pleased" to be associated with the Guardian Angels appeal, in a commitment which will get the fundraising campaign off to a great start.

Caring drivers and backroom staff at the James Street-based firm raise about £2,000 each year through their charitable efforts - and bosses have pledged to match whatever total their employees finally reach.

At the Evening Press, staff will be hoping to top the £5,000 raised earlier this year for the tsunami appeal. Workers already have a number of fundraising events lined up, including a book sale and a bowling night.

Peter Edwards, First commercial director, said the company was "delighted" to help such a worthwhile cause.

"This is a very worthwhile appeal. It will mean that people in York will be able to benefit from care which otherwise would not be available in the city.

"We are proud and pleased to be associated with it and we hope it will really make a difference."

Jonathan May, First managing director, said: "We have a history, nationwide, of backing worthy causes such as this and we are delighted to lend our support to this appeal."

Kevin Booth, editor of the Evening Press, said: "We are delighted that First has joined us in the vanguard of fundraising efforts for the appeal.

"We have an ambitious target to reach, but we are well aware of the generosity of our readers and I'm sure other firms, groups and individuals across York, North and East Yorkshire will be only too willing to help us raise the cash."

Jill Crampton, matron at York Hospital's paediatric department, said: "Everyone on the children's ward is really pleased to hear that First has chosen the Guardian Angels campaign as its charity of the year. The money raised really will enhance the care that the children receive. It's a great start to the campaign."

In tomorrow's Evening Press, York Hospital Consultant Paediatrician Robin Ball explains why he needs the Guardian Angels appeal to succeed. You can also catch up with the progress of the campaign, and read about another child who has been helped by the hospital's highly dedicated team.

Updated: 09:49 Tuesday, October 11, 2005