THE UK Hydrographic Office has decided to back the Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment as its chosen charity for the year.

The decision comes after the success of a staff card festival, which was held at UKHO last October.

The company has planned a full programme of fundraising activities throughout 2007 to raise awareness and money for SURE.

Personalised calendars were produced and sold in December, and an unwanted Christmas gift sale was held in January.

Planning is underway for many more events, with the aim of purchasing an identifiable piece of equipment by the end of the year.

A UKHO spokesman said: "The staff's response to our fundraising activities has been fantastic, as many of our staff have been touched either personally, or through family or friends, by cancer.

"We have some remarkable stories in the office of individuals' courage, and of the distress caused by repeated long journeys to Bristol and Exeter for treatment.

"So far we have raised £1600, and we aim to raise much more than this through fun events that will promote the charity and help it to achieve its goals."