TELEVISION presenter Lorraine Kelly pledged her full support along with The Star to back the Maplewood Hydrotherapy Appeal.

She told guests at the black tie dinner at the Bellhouse Hotel, in Beaconsfield, on Saturday, that the disabled children at the school in Cressex, High Wycombe, "really deserve it".

Patron of the charity Lorraine, from Cookham, vowed to help them in every way she could together with the chairman of Buckinghamshire County Council Ken Ross, who has a granddaughter at the school.

She said: "I'm really glad The Star has decided to choose the appeal as its next worthy cause. Let's be generous and support the appeal."

The school needs to raise £500,000 for the pool, used for physiotherapy programmes that could mean life-changing experiences for some children.

With the money raised through the ball, the total amount of cash raised should stand at about £30,000.

Appeal organisers realise they still have a long way to go before they reach their target and have already organised their next fundraising event.

Organisers are encouraging everyone to go blue for a day next Thursday in aid of the appeal.

All you have to do is pay £1 to dye your hair, beards or just wear something blue and organisers hope that work places, schools and the streets will be a sea of blue.

If you would like to make a donation, send a cheque payable to the Maplewood Pool Fund to Kelly Clayton at The Star, Gomm Road, High Wycombe, Bucks HP13 7DW.

To take part in the Blue Day, designate a person at your work or school and send in £1 for each person taking part. You can also take photos and send them into the above address.

For any information on donating to the appeal, or helping with fundraising, contact 01494 525728.