THE Bolton Evening News has scooped a prestigious media award for its work in the fight to beat cancer.

The newspaper was yesterday awarded the prize of Media Supporter of the Year at the Cancer Research Campaign's north west annual conference and prize giving ceremony at Bury Town Hall's Elizabethan Suite.

Editor Mark Rossiter is pictured, right, receiving the engraved trophy and certificate from leading cancer scientist and Cancer Research Campaign director general, Professor Gordon McVie. The BEN was praised for its enduring support for fund raising events stretching back more than 28 years. "This newspaper has faithfully reported the developments in cancer research, and accurately reflected national stories for its local and regional readership. It has steadfastly supported fund raising volunteers to raise awareness of cancer and the great strides being made in treatments," said the awards panel.

Area fund raiser Denise Morgan said she was also delighted the BEN had adopted Cancer Research -- and particularly the Breast Cancer Appeal -- as its charity initiative next year.

"We're hoping the people of Bolton will rise to the challenge and back the Bolton Busting Breast Cancer appeal. One in three people suffer from cancer. There can't be many of us whose lives haven't been affected by this dreaded disease," said Mr Rossiter.

"We are looking forward to helping Denise and her fund-raising team reach their £250,000-a-year goal."

More details of the appeal will appear in the BEN next month.