MATT Black has always tried to support young showbusiness talent and after his grandmother died of cancer he thought it would be a great way to help the Macmillan Windmill Appeal.

So he formed the Matt Black Roadshow for talented singers aged between 18 and 25 to receive lots of support and advice totally free.

Matt rehearses the singers until they have a song (or selection of songs) of a sufficient standard and then they are given the opportunity to perform the song in a show at a local venue.

He has already discovered many talented youngsters during his very popular disco and cabaret evenings and has now built up a strong cast who perform at roadshows to raise money for the appeal.

A recent successful show at the Highfield Social Club raised £500 for the appeal and he hopes to raise more at a show at the Talbot Conservative Club on July 12.

They are doing another show at the Air Balloon on July 22 and further ones are to be arranged in August. Talented youngsters aged between 18 and 25 who would like to know more about the roadshow should contact Matt on 317888.

A RECENT Swimathon organised by the Rotary Club of Blackpool North, held at the Lido Baths, raised more than £900 for the appeal.

THE Macmillan Windmill Appeal has been boosted by a donation of £600 from the Inner Wheel Club of Blackpool. The club, which does a variety of charity work for the community, raised the money in a series of events in the year.

LEARN how you can improve your life and health at the Mind, Body and Spirit Exhibition being held in aid of the appeal at the Norbreck Castle Hotel on July 9 from 10am to 5pm. Organised by the Association of Professional Healers, the exhibition will feature everything from herbal remedies to advice on acupuncture and osteopathy.

DON'T forget if you are arranging an event to raise money for the appeal ring The Citizen on (01253) 729081 and we will be happy to publicise it.