HAVING been open for just a month, Inchcape Basingstoke Toyota has already named which charity it will sponsor for its first year of business.

The Neurofibromatosis Association will be the lucky recipient of all of the dealership's fundraising efforts this year.

The charity will also hold a stand at an official launch party on Saturday, June 5, where a pair of Formula 1 tickets will be raffled in aid of the charity.

Dealership general manager Simon Hawker said: "It's a worthwhile cause and I hope we can help them raise awareness while raising a bit of money in the process."

Neurofibromatosis (Nf) is a genetic disorder which causes the spontaneous mutation of genes affecting the body's vital nervous system.

Growths on the nerve endings, caused by this condition, can create lumps all over the body or, worse, internally, causing danger to organs and possible premature death.

Local fundraiser Tricia Stephens said: "We wish the new dealership every success.

We are delighted to have the support of Inchcape Toyota and very proud to have been selected."

The dealership will be present at the charity's annual Jazz Party and Picnic in Odiham on Saturday, August 28, where it will be sponsoring the fireworks and holding a competition to win an MR2 for a weekend.

The charity hopes to raise £10,000 at this year's event.

Half of this will go towards funding research, while the other half will fund the area's new Nf co-ordinator and support worker.

Tickets for the event, priced at £12, will be available in advance from Modern Music Basingstoke, The Village Gallery Hook, Farthingale Furniture Odiham, The Cottage Hospital Charity Shop in Hartley Wintney or by phoning 01256 704701.

You can contact the dealership on 01256 406500.