Hall Cross Lower School, together with their upper school colleagues, had no hesitation in signing up for our designated Dress Down Day to help raise money for a specially-modified car for Ben and his family.

And with each participating youngster set to donate £1 to the Ben Parkinson fund, our appeal is really starting to move up through the gears.

Ben's mum Diane Dernie, of Wheatley Hills, was in the national spotlight earlier this month after her prolonged efforts to improve compensation payouts for injured soldiers finally paid off.

A Ministry of Defence review decided to improve financial packages by abolishing a rule that meant compensation calculations only took into account the three worst injuries, while officials also agreed to retrospective payments dating back to cases since 2005.

The ruling meant that Ben, who lost both of his legs and suffered more than 30 other horrific injuries in an Afghanistan landmine blast last year, had his initial £152,150 payout raised to £285,000.

But that figure is still way short of what is required to look after Ben for the rest of his life.

The Free Press, therefore, teamed up with F.Cross & Son Kia Ltd, of Doncaster Road in Hatfield, to provide Ben's family with a top of the range Kia Sedona people carrier to help make things a little easier - once we reach our fundraising target.

And our 'Help Brave Ben' appeal gives Doncaster the chance to do their bit for their hero.

Bobbie Roberts, the chair of Doncaster Deaf Trust, confirmed last week that various branches of the Trust, including the college, nursery and baby unity, will take part in tomorrow's Dress Down Day.

Staff from across South Yorkshire Newspapers, including ourselves at Sunny Bar and our colleagues at Mexborough, Gainsborough, Goole and Epworth, have also agreed to swap their work attire for Friday formal wear.

And there is still time for your school or business to get involved.

All participating individuals need to do is donate £1 to the Ben Parkinson fund, set up last month by Yorkshire Bank, for the privilege of wearing whatever they like for the day.

Any organisation interested in taking part should contact us on (01302) 347260 - and you could be included in next week's picture special.

*Angel Beauty Salon on Sandringham Road, Intake, has launched a raffle with the proceeds to be donated to our 'Help Brave Ben' appeal.
Owner Lindsay Johnson, of Edenthorpe, said she was happy to do her bit for Ben.

"I've got lots of clients coming in and everybody is responding to it," she said. "It's just a way of doing my little bit to help."

Tickets priced £1 are available from the salon. The winner, to be drawn on December 1, will receive a £15 beauty voucher.

*Mayor Martin Winter, meanwhile, has hinted that Ben will be considered for the honour of Freedom of the Borough in the future.

Speaking at Monday's full council meeting, he told councillors that news of the 23-year-old's horrific injuries came too late for him to be included among this year's contenders.

He said: "I'm sure the members of this chamber will be familiar with the details of Ben Parkinson's quite horrific injuries. I think we are also aware of the devastating effect that his injuries have had on him and his future and our thoughts should surely go to him at this difficult time.

"I totally agree that people like Ben who have paid such a high price on our behalf should come in for some sort of local and national recognition."

The Mayor was responding to a question put to him by Simon Mitchell, of Scawthorpe, who said it was "outrageous" that Ben failed to figure among the six persons recently chosen to receive the honour.