THEY'RE fashionable, environmentally friendly and the latest boost to our £500,000 Maggie's cancer caring centre appeal.

The black cotton bags, featuring a purple line drawing of the £3m Nottingham centre designed by architect Piers Gough, have been specially produced for supporters of the campaign, which now stands at £320,450.

Anyone who signs up to become a Friend of Maggie's, giving a regular donation by direct debit, will receive the bag for free.

Supporters can give £5, £10, £20 a month or an amount of their choice.

All the money will go towards building the centre in the grounds of the City Hospital, which will provide emotional, psychological and practical help to cancer patients, their families, carers and friends.

First to bag the bags were Skills Holidays' trippers, couriers and drivers on a weekend break to Harrogate.

During a celebratory dinner, managing director Nigel Skill announced plans to support Maggie's throughout the company's 90th anniversary year.

He said: "Cancer affects people of all ages and we thought it would be a very good charity to support during our 90th year."

The trippers included Glenis Ping, 69, and her husband Dennis, 74, who has bladder cancer.

The Rise Park couple have been Maggie's supporters from the start of the campaign.

Glenis said: "The bags are eye-catching and good PR. I used mine in Harrogate and will do so at every opportunity."

Emma Critchley, Maggie's Nottingham co-ordinator, said: "It is great to have our iconic Maggie's Nottingham centre displayed on a bag.

"I have been using my bag around the City Hospital and have had lots of interest. When visiting a ward a patient asked me how the campaign was going and where to get a bag."

To become a Friend of Maggie's just fill in the form on this page and send it to the address in Glasgow.

Skills' fund-raising got off to a good start with a raffle at the dinner raising £650. In April company drivers will be doing a car wash at the firm's Bulwell garage and Nigel Skill plans to cycle from John O'Groats to Land's End.

Collections will also be organised by sister travel firm Coachstyle. Skills is also making its coach fleet available to Maggie's for fund-raising and promotion, and Paul Nichol, head of graphic design, has offered to provide free posters, mail shots and leaflets for the charity.

Keep up to date with Maggie's news and the roll of honour at www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/maggies.

lynette.pinchess@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk