A SIXTH of the way to our £600,000 Macmillan Cancer Appeal target, and it is only two months since the three-year project was launched.

The announcement should make the people of Swindon feel joyful, proud, optimistic everything, in fact, except surprised.

Time and again we have demonstrated what should perhaps be called the Swindon Effect. Time and again local people have shown that when it comes to digging deep in their pockets or giving generously of their time for a cause which benefits us all, they will never be judged wanting.

And that applies not only to local people whose lineage here predates the Railway Village. It also applies to local people who were attracted here from elsewhere by the prospect of a better future.

Businesses of all sizes and types should also take a bow, with Nationwide's huge donation an especial morale-booster.

Now let us tackle the rest of the appeal target.

There is £500,000 between us and some laurels to rest on for a while.

But that will make them all the more comfortable when we get there.