JOB losses in the South Wales steel industry have dealt a major blow to a leading cancer charity.

Donations to Marie Curie Cancer Care are set to fall by thousands of pounds following the Anglo-Dutch steel giant's closures and redundanciess - including more than 2,000 job losses in Gwent.

Now the charity is appealing to other businesses in the area to help by pledging their support.

Thousands of workers at steel plants throughout South Wales - including the tinplate works at Ebbw Vale and Newport's Llanwern plant - have made regular donations to Marie Curie as part of a payroll giving scheme.

Since it began in 1993, Corus workers have raised almost £500,000 for the charity's home nursing service, its hospice in Penarth and research work.

Although employees will still support Marie Curie through the contributory scheme, the restructuring has meant the charity will lose a total of around £5,000 per month.

Business development fundraiser Bethan Page said: "We are indebted to the Corus workers who have so generously supported Marie Curie Cancer Care over the past eight years and we are grateful to Corus for allowing us to visit the steel plants to explain the vital work of our charity.

"Through their tireless commitment, Marie Curie Cancer Care has been able to help thousands of local people when they were most in need.

"The donations did not have to amount to masses of money individually, but together they made a real difference."

Ms Page said would like to hear from any other local businesses who would like to carry on "the wonderful tradition" started by the Corus workers by setting up their own payroll giving scheme.

She can be contacted on 01873 303020.