DETERMINED scouts have set their sights on collecting 1000 teddies by Easter as part of a fundraising initiative in memory of a 'truly wonderful' woman.

Ann Moran lost her battle with breast cancer last year but beavers, scouts, cubs and leaders from the 33rd Warrington West group are vowing to ensure her name lives on.

Jenny Raynor, enrolled scout and wife of Father Michael Raynor, from St Andrew's Church in Orford, set up the latest project and is now calling on the town to back the cause.

After the collections are complete the teddies, which are being checked for safety, will be sold.

All money raised will go to Macmillan, with half going to Halton's Delamere Unit and half towards helping nurses in Warrington.

Jenny said: "We have been for 18 years and we have previously done a campaign for cancer which was called 1000 dolls.

"Everyone was very happy when I told them about this and it is important to do it – she was the treasurer of the group.

"She was a lovely, gentle lady and a truly wonderful person so everyone wants to do something and get involved.

"A pair of teddies named Mac and Millie have been knitted, they are the flagship teddies.

"By Easter we want to reach 1000 and want to sell them at the end – if we could get somewhere to sell them that would be great.

"All of them will be checked by scout leaders to make sure they are safe and clean."

Around 100 furry friends have been collected so far and Ann's husband, Derek, 67, is confident of the target being reached as awareness increases.

"When my wife was buried in September we collected £500, which we gave to Macmillan," said the 33rd Warrington West chairman, from Latchford.

"Jenny came up with the suggestion for this in memory of my wife and it is great to get so many people involved.

"I am very grateful for the idea and a lot of the youngsters are getting excited about it."

The group's cubs are also set to carry out a sponsored walk in the near future to help the fundraising efforts.

For further information or to offer a base from which the teddies can be sold e-mail mjraynor@care4free.net