BOLTON Wanderers manager Sam Allardyce is hoping to help save 500 lives a year by raising greater awareness of cancer.

Big Sam and a host of other local celebrities have joined a campaign, led by Christie Hospital, to encourage people to visit their family doctor if they are displaying any cancer symptoms.

The campaign - Manchester versus Cancer - hopes to improve the early diagnosis of cancer.

Sam said: "I fully support the Manchester versus Cancer alliance to improve the early detection of cancer.

"Everyone is mindful of the serious consequences of cancer. The good news is that early diagnosis gives a much better chance of survival.

"A proactive project, such as this, can help the public of Greater Manchester and continue our efforts to find a cure."

Other celebrities taking part in the campaign include the Little Hulton actor and former Doctor Who star, Christopher Eccleston, David Threfall, who stars in Shameless as Frank Gallagher, and the cast of Coronation Street.

Professor Dame Joan Higgins, chairman of the Manchester versus Cancer alliance and Christie's, said: "The region has one of the highest death rates of cancer in the country. Every year, across Greater Manchester, around 16,000 people will develop cancer.

"Around 7,000 of these people will die, but 500 of these lives could be saved if the cancer is detected early."

A huge Manchester Versus Cancer rock concert will be held at the MEN Arena on March 30. The line-up will include Noel Gallagher, Ian Brown and The Charlatans.