JUST ten months after its launch, the Salisbury District Hospital Stars Appeal has raised the £400,000 needed for its first two projects.

The staggering generosity of local people and the fundraising efforts of a host of clubs, pubs, organisations and businesses across the area has netted the £100,000 sought by the Little Lives campaign for new state-of-the-art equipment at the hospital's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

And similar heart-warming efforts have raked in the £300,000 wanted for a specialist keyhole cancer surgery theatre - which will be one of the first in England.

Now, before moving on to a new project - The Caring 4 Kids Campaign - the hospital is to host a supporters open day to show donors and volunteers how their funds have been put to good use.

The event on Saturday, January 19 will coincide with the official opening of the new Keyhole theatre by Stars Appeal president, the Earl of Pembroke.

Lisa Stratton, chairman of the Appeal said: "The supporters day will showcase the work which has been achieved as part of the two campaigns thanks to the generosity of the local community.

"Surgeons will be on hand to give guided tours of the new Keyhole Cancer Theatre. There will also be a chance to meet staff from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and see how equipment funded by the Appeal's Little Lives Campaign has benefited premature and critically ill babies."

Appeal director, Dave Cates, told the Journal: "It has been an amazing year for the Stars Appeal and we wanted to give all those who have supported us the opportunity to come and see how their money has been spent.

"We also want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped make these new facilities possible."

As well as looking back on these achievements, there will also be the opportunity to learn more about the Stars Appeal's next challenge. The Caring 4 Kids Campaign, which will be launched soon to help equip a state-of-the-art children's unit benefiting more than 6,000 local children every year. The unit will replace existing children's wards, which are housed in 1940s buildings.

"The NHS will provide the building costs and the appeal will raise money for all the extras needed to make children feel they are in more than just a hospital ward," said Mr Cates. The Stars Appeal is asking any supporters wishing the January open day to telephone Hannah Paye on 01722 429005 or e-mail info@starsappeal.org for an invite, which will be issued on a first come, first served basis.