A CHARITY that started in a small way seven years ago is preparing to celebrate a phenomenal £1million fund-raising milestone by taking a plane-load of children to Lapland next Christmas.

Dave Lee's Happy Holidays has chartered a 235-seater plane to take disabled, sick and disadvantaged children from Kent with their immediate families on a day trip to meet Father Christmas and enjoy fun and games in the snow. They plan sleigh rides pulled by huskies and reindeer, snowmobile jaunts through the forest and a Lap ceremony.

They are inviting people to nominate children for the spaces but stress the magic day out will not be suitable for those severely ill or disabled. "We are so close to having raised £1million and want to celebrate by doing something that will give joy to as many people as possible," explained Dave from his home in Herne Bay. .

"We gave it a lot of thought and decided on a once-in-a-lifetime mystical, magical journey to visit Santa Claus in Lapland - every child's dream."

Only nominations that meet strict criteria can be considered for the trip. They must be for eligible youngsters aged four-11 whose families have not received a Happy Holiday in the past. The trip is unsuitable for those in wheelchairs and buggies or with breathing disorders. It involves a long day with a three-hour flight each way to sub-zero temperatures; it will be dark for the whole of the visit.

There is a lot of walking in snow so participants must have warm, waterproof footwear, hats, gloves and scarves; all-in-one thermal clothing is provided in Lapland.

Because of demand and limited space people are urged to think carefully before nominating a family.

For an application form send a stamped addressed envelope to Dave Lee's Happy Holidays, 36 Sturry Hill, Sturry, Canterbury CT2 0NQ; completed forms must be returned by Friday, April 5.

Dave Lee rarely talks about the long hours he and wife, Lynda, put into managing the charity, which has no administration costs.

"We are very proud that nobody within the company is paid," he said. Funding comes from a variety of sources, including Dave's variety show at Canterbury's Marlowe Theatre on Sunday, April 28, which sold out in hours.

"People pay £25 a ticket to see a show without knowing who's in it," he explained. "Friends from the business support me by giving their time."

His biggest earner is the celebrity golf classic, this year on September 8, at Chart Hills, when he expects to attract a crowd equal to last year's 6,500 spectators.