Chai Cancer Care's northern services will be expanded as a result of the £275,000 raised from a Manchester dinner attended by 470 supporters.

Welcoming guests, benefactor Stuart Marks said: "We need to ensure that we give all those affected by a cancer diagnosis and their families a place to go here in our city that will match everything that gives Chai in London its global reputation as the leader in supportive cancer care."

To meet the demand for Chai services in the north-west, a purpose-built centre will open in October within the Heathlands complex in Manchester.

It will incorporate three counselling rooms, three therapy rooms, a gym, a family counselling/large group meeting room and space for therapy and children's play. There are also plans to further develop existing services in south Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds.