The Argus Appeal has secured the support of Legal and General for a second year to bring even more cheer to the needy of Sussex.

Managers at the company, which employs 1,200 people at its base in Montefiore Road, Hove, hope to eclipse the unprecedented achievements of our last appeal.

More than £70,000 was raised through dozens of fund-raising events held by individuals and organisations, including Gala Bingo which arranged successful bingo sessions and a race evening.

The Argus Appeal has built up a formidable reputation in Sussex as it is one of the few charities which donates every single penny it raises to those who need it most, with The Argus absorbing all administration costs.

Donations have helped the elderly and youth and community groups across the county pay for vital equipment that otherwise would have been beyond their means.

Howard Scott, managing director of Argus publisher Newsquest (Sussex) Ltd and chairman of the appeal trustees, said it was an enormous boost for the appeal to enlist the support of Legal and General for a second successive year.

He said: "The appeal is once again delighted and very grateful to be receiving significant support from Legal and General, a company with an enviable reputation for community involvement.

"Their participative support of the appeal allowed us to do many new things during the past 12 months and we can now move ahead with yet more new fund-raising initiatives to benefit needy causes across Sussex."

Gianna Dodd, Legal and General marketing manager and appeal trustee, said: "We are delighted to once again be supporting The Argus Appeal and hope to capitalise on last year's fantastic achievements by helping even more worthy causes."

The Argus Appeal's 44th year is being launched at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Brighton on Saturday.

For more information about The Argus Appeal contact Elsa Gillio c/o The Argus, Argus House, Crowhurst Road, Hollingbury, Brighton, BN1 8AR, or call 01273 544544.