The Rank Group which is the parent company of Mecca Bingo and Grosvenor Casinos has pledged to carry on its charity fundraising efforts for Marie Curie Cancer Care for a third year running. The gaming giant is aiming to hit the £1 million mark having already raised nearly £650,000.

Marie Curie Cancer Care provides care and support to cancer patients and their families through hospice facilities and other programmes, for a third consecutive year.

Nigel Green a spokesperson for the company said they were committed to hitting the £1 million target by the end of 2012.

The bingo, casino and betting operations within Rank have raised funds in a variety of different ways including a mass sky dive, bingo games, tombola's, cake sales and themed parties.

Green added: "I've been so impressed with the drive and enthusiasm the team members have shown over the past two years when it came to organising fundraising events. The impressive result just goes to show how hard everyone has worked.

On behalf of Marie Curie Cancer Care, Sarah Washington, commented: "The way in which members and customers have embraced the fundraising challenge for Marie Curie Cancer Care has been fantastic. The wonderful amount raised will help make a difference to terminally ill people and their families as it will help to provide 21,000 hours of nursing care."