AS council tax bills land on door mats around West Devon, residents will notice that they have the opportunity to help Marie Curie Cancer Care through paying by direct debit.

The cancer charity's Great Daffodil Appeal could benefit by around £2,000 if everyone in West Devon paid their council tax in this way.

This spring, BACS, the people behind direct debits, will be working together with a number of organisations including banks, utility companies and local authorities to help raise funds for the appeal.

West Devon Borough Council has already signed up to the scheme and has pledged 20p for every household which signs up to a new direct debit.

Currently, around 10,000 households in West Devon pay their council tax by cheque.

The Great Daffodil Appeal campaign also offers an incentive to customers switching to direct debit as their names will be entered into a prize draw with the chance to win a car.

Just £20 pays for a Marie Curie nurse to provide care and dignity to the terminally ill for one hour.

Helping the Appeal by almost £2,000 would be a huge boost to the charity.

The prize draw closes on April 30 2011.