THE search to find a bone marrow donor for leukaemia sufferer Kim Allistone took a step forward this week, as yet more local authorities promised to help.

Kim and her husband Patrick contacted the Times last month from their Taunton home in an effort to search out relatives in the Okehampton area who might be suitable donors.

Now, Mr Allistone said the search has stepped up a gear.

He said every county council in the South West with the exception of Cornwall had agreed to leaflet all their employees, telling them about the opportunities to becoming a bone marrow donor.

Mrs Allistone needs to find a suitable donor within the next few months to increase her chances of recovering from Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia.

Mr Allistone thanked all those who attended the recent blood donor sessions in Okehampton and wished everyone in the town who had been so supportive a 'Merry Christmas'.