THOUSANDS of aerospace workers are throwing their weight behind a new charity.

Leukaemia Research has been chosen to be British Aerospace's charity and to receive an estimated £400,000 plus from a series of events over the coming year.

During 18 months of fund raising, staff at the Samlesbury site raised almost £82,000 for the previous adopted charity, the Multiple Sclerosis Society, and 58 local charities.

"We are keen to forge links with local branches of the Leukaemia Research Fund and already planning fund-raising events," said Rebecca Dewhurst, Samlesbury's Charity Challenge co-ordinator.

"Particular emphasis will be placed on specific needs of leukaemia sufferers and to what extent our community work can be of assistance."

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