Ref. 29474-6TALES of exploits on and off the pitch kept guests enthralled at the Rotary Club of Old Town's annual sporting dinner and more than £4,500 was raised for the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

Former British Lion and Welsh international John Taylor entertained diners at the black-tie event at Blunsdon House Hotel.

Mr Taylor, who led ITV's commentary team at the recent Rugby World Cup in Australia, regaled guests with tales from the commentary box and beyond.

Guests were keen to hear stories about the World Cup winning team.

And Mr Taylor, who was recently voted Wales's greatest Number Seven, delivered many humorous insights, including jokes about the controversial refereeing of England's World Cup Final.

But he also paid tribute to the great work of Macmillan nurses and praised the efforts of the Swindon Cancer Appeal.

He said: "I am very glad to be here tonight to support such a good cause.

"Many of my family and friends have directly benefited from the fantastic work of the Macmillan nurses. They really do a wonderful job, so every penny we can raise through appeals like this is worth it.

"By ploughing the money into research we can beat this dreadful disease."

Garfield Morgan, who appeared in The Sweeney and Minder, also provided entertainment for the 155 guests.

An auction and extensive raffle that took place on the evening were great money-spinners. Prizes including bikes worth £200 and meals for two were just some of the items that had been generously donated by local businesses.

Graziella Campisano, Swindon Cancer appeal manager, said: "This has proven to be a very successful event and I am continually astounded by people's generosity. I urge local people and businesses to continue to support us so that we hit our target."

The Swindon Cancer Appeal, which passed the halfway mark this month, aims to raise £600,000 to provide two specialist Macmillan nurses and a consultant in palliative care.

The appeal's first birthday is on March 25.

The cash will pay for the positions for three years, after which the NHS will fund them.

The Old Town Rotarians are supporting the appeal throughout 2004 and aim to raise a total of £10,000 this year through a variety of fundraising events.

Those in the pipeline include the Great Swindon Duck Race on Monday, May 3, and a corporate golf day at the Wiltshire Golf Club on Wednesday, June 2.

Rotarian David Jackson said: "Nearly everybody knows someone who has been affected by cancer and what makes this appeal so worthwhile is that it is supporting local services."

l For more information on the duck race call Steph Trinci at Swindon Chamber of Commerce on 01793 642225.

Emma-Kate Lidbury