THE Worcester branch of Barclays Bank has chosen Leukaemia CARE as its charity of the year for 2006.

Leukaemia CARE, a national charity based in Worcester, already has close links with Barclays, which has been the charity's bank for longer than 30 years.

Barclays' area manager Jason Hurn said: "Through-out 2006, Barclays' Worcester team has committed not only to raising funds for Leu-kaemia CARE, but also to learning about the care work of the charity and imparting that to our team and customers to assist the charity in the superb care and support work it offers.

"Barclays is already very active in the local community and we are now planning different activities to assist Leukaemia CARE.

Tony Gavin, chief executive of the charity, said Leu-kaemia CARE provides practical care and support for those living with leukaemia, lymphoma and the allied blood disorders.

"Throughout 2006, Barclays will learn more about the work that we do, including our unique 24-hour CARE Line, our volunteer recruitment programme and patient advocacy, and will be involved in the official opening of our head office in Blackpole later this year."

"And of course they intend to raise much needed funds along the way to support the work we do."

For further information on Leukaemia CARE, for patients, carers, their families and health professionals, call the free 24 hour CARE Line on 0800 1696680. To find out more about becoming a volunteer for the charity, please call 01905 755977.

or visit www.leukaemiacare.org.uk.

For information on fundraising for Leukaemia CARE call 0870 7743667 or visit www.run4leukaemia.org.uk

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