Ely Standard editor Debbie Davies has handed over a £1,000 cheque to the Milton Hospice. The money is from the newspaper s Grand Plan fund, which was launched in September. We launched our HoH campaign to support the Milton Hospice after learning a lotte

Ely Standard editor Debbie Davies has handed over a £1,000 cheque to the Milton Hospice.

The money is from the newspaper's Grand Plan fund, which was launched in September.

We launched our HoH campaign to support the Milton Hospice after learning a lottery grant was being withdrawn, which would leave the charity thousands of pounds worse off.

Since launching our campaign, we have been inundated with calls from readers who want to help. In next week's paper, we will announce our six-month total and picture some of the fund-raisers who have come forward to help.

Graham Butland, chief executive of East Anglia's Children's Hospices, said: "The support of the Ely Standard and everyone across East Cambridgeshire has been outstanding.

"We are really proud to be associated with the Ely Standard and thrilled to have been chosen as their charity of the year."

Editor Debbie Davies said: "We combined the handing over of the cheque with a drinks reception at the Lamb Hotel and invited businesses and local contacts in the city as our way of saying 'thank you' for the support we have had since our relaunch last September.

"The success of the newspaper very much depends on our relationship with the community and the event was our way of recognising that and ensuring we continue the success story that is the Ely Standard.'