SCORES of people in and around York have already responded to the Yorkshire Cancer Research Free Will Scheme, which was launched in the city last week.

The Evening Press-backed scheme aims to safeguard the future of the charity, which funds vital cancer research in Yorkshire, including the Cancer Research Unit at the University of York.

Along with eight firms of solicitors, listed in the advertisement, below right, the charity is offering 500 residents the opportunity to have a will drawn up free of charge. Participants will be offered the opportunity - but will be under no obligation - to make provision for Yorkshire Cancer Research in their will.

William Miers, a partner with Harrowell Shaftoe, St Saviourgate, York, is one of the solicitors taking part. He said making a will was vital to ensure that your loved ones were looked after following your death.

"Having a will ensures that you control what happens to your money and belongings. Without one, your estate is at risk of being distributed according to the intestacy laws - sometimes with unforeseen and distressing results.

"Without a will, you can't assume that your spouse or partner will automatically inherit everything. Indeed, people who are unmarried may not receive anything from their partner's estate."

Mr Miers said that having children, getting married or divorced, or having grandchildren, means that a will should be updated or rewritten.

If you wish to leave something to the charity it can be a fixed sum, a share of your estate or an item, all of which will help fund research.

Updated: 09:02 Tuesday, April 15, 2003