THE father of a five-year-old cancer patient has praised the town's sterling efforts to raise money for his poorly son.

Anthony Marsland and his wife Nicola, who live in Kingsmead, are fighting to raise the £200,000 needed to send their little boy Jacob to the US for life-saving treatment.

Hartford Manor pupil Jacob is suffering from a rare form of cancer called neuroblastoma, which has already spread to his bones.

After several courses of aggressive chemotherapy, the cancer still remains and a pioneering treatment in America could be his last chance.

The Guardian made a heartfelt plea for people to help raise enough for Jake's treatment and the reaction has been phenomenal.

Anthony said: "All of a sudden we no longer feel alone in this fight and we would like to thank everyone who is doing something to help.

"Although we are all going through a terrible time at the moment, something good is coming from our experience, and that is seeing all these wonderful people, people we don't even know and have never met, stepping forward to do something for us."

Saturday's charity line-dance held in the town centre for Jake raised an impressive £417 through donations alone.

Unfortunately Jake could not make the day because he was in hospital but organiser Geoff Falland, whose band Moonshine sang, went to see the little lad on Sunday.

For details of fundraising call Frances Kindon on 01606 813621.