THE Laura Crane Trust's newest patron, comic Catherine Tate, has launched its Christmas appeal.

She has the message: Buy a special gift for a teenage cancer patient this Christmas.

The popular comedienne said she was delighted to be a part of this appeal.

She has kick-started it with autographed merchandise, including DVDs and calendars from the Catherine Tate Show.

The Huddersfield- based trust was founded in 1996 in memory of the teenager who passed away, aged 17, from a complex mix of four types of cancer.

Since then, the charity has received much celebrity support from the likes of comedian Jack Dee and Huddersfield-born actress Zoe Lucker, the star of TV's Footballers Wives.

The trust pays for research specifically into cancers affecting 13 to 25-year-olds.

It also pays for measures to help improve the lives of young cancer patients while they are having treatment and in the aftermath of their illness.

Pam Thornes, the trust's fundraising manager, said: "Teenage years are a difficult enough time without throwing cancer into the equation.

"We would like your support to brighten their Christmas by enabling us to buy gifts for these young people."

For details phone 01484 510013.