CALOR, the UK's largest supplier of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), is urging people to hand over their unwanted gas cylinders to help the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign reach its £15m fundraising target.

The appeal is being co-ordinated by Oxford Calor Centre, in Ferry Hinksey Road, and is part of the company's Gift of the Gas fundraising campaign, which has already raised more than £50,000 for local appeals and the national child protection charity ChildLine.

Calor will donate £2.50 to the Oxford Children's Hospital Campaign for every unwanted Calor gas cylinder returned to the Oxford Calor Centre before the end of September.

Calor will also be donating another £2.50 per cylinder to ChildLine, the UK's free, 24-hour helpline for children in danger or distress.

It doesn't matter how long the cylinder has been gathering dust in the shed or propping up the workbench - as long as it is a Calor cylinder.

All the funds raised for the Oxford Children's Hospital will edge the campaign towards its £15m target.

The hospital, which is due to open in January next year, will ensure that children from Oxfordshire and the surrounding areas have access to facilities that have been purpose-designed to meet their needs.

At present, children's services are split over a number of sites at Oxford's hospitals, and the wards are stretched to capacity.

The hospital will provide purpose-built, family-friendly facilities for inpatient and outpatient children's services for the very first time - a major step forward in providing high quality care for children under one roof.

Peter Milner, Oxford Calor Centre's manager, said: "We are delighted to be in a position to raise funds for the Oxford Children's Hospital, a facility which will ensure that children in the area get access to the care they need in the best possible surroundings.

"Bringing back your cylinders is easy. Simply return them to our depot in Ferry Hinksey Road, off Botley Road, or call us on 01865 268120 and we may be able to offer a collection service."