ROYLE Family star Ricky Tomlinson has given his support to Clatterbridge Cancer Charity's new campaign to raise funds for the treatment of bowel cancer.

The £150,000 Papillon Appeal will enable Clatterbridge Cancer Centre to change the lives of more bowel cancer patients, who would otherwise suffer the devastating effects of a major operation and life-long side effects.

Papillon is a revolutionary technique to treat early stage rectal cancer as an alternative to surgery.

It was developed at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre by one of the hospital's consultants Dr Myint and is the world's first such machine.

The new Papillon centre is due to open at the hospital next summer following The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity’s Papillon Appeal.

It will allow hundreds more bowel cancer patients to be treated without surgery, therefore improving their quality of life post treatment by avoiding permanent, life-altering side-effects such as a colostomy

Ricky, who will be back on our screens as the infamous Jim Royle in a Royle Family Christmas Special later this month, visited the current Papillon facilities earlier in the year and was delighted to lend his name to this new appeal.

He said: "It's just fantastic that The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre is the international leader in Papillon.

"The work that goes on there is amazing. It's great that The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity is raising money so many more people are able to have Papillon treatment in an improved environment.

"It's scary for cancer patients and they deserve the very best. Please support the Papillon Appeal and help more cancer patients to fight this terrible disease."

You can support The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity’s Papillon Appeal and help improve the lives of thousands of people living with bowel cancer by making a donation online at www.clatterbridgecc.nhs.uk or call 0151 482 7948.