A BUILDING society with roots in Huddersfield has launched its Christmas appeal.
Yorkshire Building Society has joined up with children's cancer charity Clic Sargent to run the Granting Smiles appeal.
The Bradford-based society hopes to raise £100,000 across its 131 branches and 75 agencies.
That will allow the charity to give grants of £100 to the families it supports and relieve some of the cash strain at Christmas.
Building society staff will sell special teddy bear key fobs and hold colouring competitions for artistic youngsters.
All money raised will be matched pound for pound by the society's charitable foundation.
Spokeswoman Louise Neill said: "Supporting Granting Smiles is a great way to ensure Christmas is a happy time for everyone.
"So we hope lots of customers and members of the public will support our appeal."
Geoff Thaxter, director of services for Clic Sargent, said: "Money may seem the least of a family's worries when a child is diagnosed with cancer.
"Yet the sudden costs of travelling to hospital, arranging childcare for siblings and taking time off work often make circumstances even more difficult.
"Figures have shown that in the first three months following diagnosis extra costs can be as much as £1,500."
