71909-148SWINDON CANCER APPEAL: OVERGROWN schoolgirls and schoolboys took over the grounds of one of Swindon's largest firms yesterday.

Staff at Nationwide, in Pipers Way, paid £1 to wear uniform, and all proceeds went to the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Branches of the building society were also invited to join in the extra curricular activities and get the public involved in the fundraising.

The Swindon Cancer Appeal, which is also backed by the Evening Advertiser, aims to raise £600,000, which will pay for two Macmillan nurses and a consultant in palliative cancer care for three years.

After that time the posts will be paid for by the NHS, meaning that Swindon residents will get to benefit from their care for years to come. So far generous businesses and residents in the town have helped the appeal to break the £400,000 mark in under 18 months, well ahead of schedule.

Nationwide's community affairs manager Michelle Leighton said: "Everyone had a lot of fun, while at the same time raising funds for our flagship charity.

"It's such a worthy cause and there were lots of schoolboys in short trousers, along with many St Trinians-style schoolgirls."

To find out more about how to get involved with the Swindon Cancer Appeal call 01793 601636.