Breast cancer experts were joined by campaigners and dignitaries to launch a charity which aims to raise £1.5 million for a new breast cancer unit.

The Pink Dolphin Appeal will help fund the service on the Rosaz House site in Bristol Gate, Brighton, opposite the Sussex Cancer Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

It marks the latest phase of a campaign to keep breast cancer services in the city.

The Argus launched an appeal in October 2001 to retain a breast cancer unit in the city when health chiefs announced that the Nigel Porter Unit needed to expand to cater for increasing demand but there was no room on the Royal Sussex County site.

They proposed moving it to the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath.

But the proposal sparked outrage among people in the city and those living along the coastal strip who had used the services.

They feared patients would suffer if they had to travel the 17 miles to Haywards Heath.

Some of the country's leading breast cancer experts also said the unit should remain in Brighton.

Andrew Yelland, consultant breast surgeon at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, was at the launch, which was held at the Old Market Arts Centre, Upper Market Street in Hove.

He thanked campaigners and fund-raisers for their support.

Two cheques to get the appeal rolling were also presented, one for £5,795 from Hove businessman Robbie Raggio and £1,500 from the Hove Breakfast Rotary Club.

Mr Raggio raised the money from the Christmas lights at his home.

Brighton and Hove Mayor David Watkins gave a moving account of how, as a child, he saw his aunt die from breast cancer.

He said: "This is a very important night and breast cancer hits everyone's heart. It's wonderful there will be a new unit in this city."

Guests at the launch were entertained by music from Varndean School's Little Big Band.

Among them were MPs, Brighton and Hove city councillors, senior breast cancer staff from the Nigel Porter Unit, business leaders, former newsreader Carol Barnes and supporters of the new charity, many of whom have been touched by breast cancer personally.

Prominent campaigners Jean Nehls, Jayne Bennett and Leonie Petrarca were also there.

Appeal organisers are now asking schools, businesses and individuals to help raise funds in any way they can.

The charity can be contacted on 01273 696955 ext 7856 or by writing to The Pink Dolphin Appeal, Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust Appeals Office, Room 260, Sussex House, Abbey Road, Brighton, BN21ES.