A NATIONAL cancer charity's plans to plant 5,000 daffodils in Worcester in memory of loved ones has got off to a flying start.

More than 20 people have donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care's Field of Hope scheme, which involves people giving a sum of money to have two daffodils planted in memory of a loved one - or someone who is still alive.

On Sunday, November 9, a total of 5,000 daffodils will be planted at Worcester racecourse, where the scheme was launched last week.

The project is hoped to raise more than £5,000 for nurses' services in Worcestershire.

"We are very excited by the response so far," said Worcester field of hope co-ordinator Carys Bowden.

"It's such a promising start to the campaign which hopes to raise vital funds for Marie Curie nursing services in Worcestershire."

The scheme is part of a nationwide project to mark the centenary of Marie Curie winning the Nobel Prize for Physics for her research into radium and radioactivity.

The charity plans to commemorate the milestone in history by planting 500,000 daffodils in 100 locations across the UK during the autumn.

The organisers are still looking for a group of about 15 to 20 volunteers to offer to plant the bulbs.

Anyone wanting to contribute to the scheme, or volunteer to plant the bulbs, can call the fund-raising office on 01905 427531, or fill in the coupon below and return it to: Marie Curie Cancer Care, 4a King Charles Place, St Johns, Worcester, WR2 5AJ.