Shropshire raises a cuppa for charity

People across Shropshire were enjoying a cuppa today as they attempted to raise thousands of pounds for charity in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning.

Fundraisers were gathering at more than 300 venues across the county to support the national event organised by Macmillan Cancer Support.

Organisers are hoping this year's event will prove so successful that it will top last year's fundraising total of £60,724, with schools, businesses and clubs among the groups taking part this year.

Clare Nester, Macmillan's fundraising manager for Shropshire, said it was delighted so many people had signed up to take part in this year's event, joining more than two million people across the country.

Sue Kay, manager at Arthur's Cafe Bistro, in Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury, said staff had spent a long time preparing for today and had stocked up to cater for their extra guests.

She said: "We will be donating £1 to Macmillan for every coffee we sell and we have been doing a special deal on coffee and cake along with a 'guess the weight of the cake' competition.

"There has been a lot of talk here about the event and we have really been looking forward to it."

A variety of places across Shropshire were due to welcome people through their doors including the Ludlow Food Centre, the Severn Centre in Bridgnorth, Tenpin Bowling in Telford, Prees Village Hall, near Whitchurch and the Royal Mail sorting office, in Shrewsbury, which was hosting a 24-hour event.

More than £8 million is expected to be raised in the UK to help fund Macmillan's vital cancer services.

Lesley Pountney, food and cafe commercial manager at Marks & Spencer, in Castle Street, in Shrewsbury, said there was a lot of excitement at the store after opening to fundraisers at 8.30am.

She said: "Our staff will be wearing T-shirts and a percentage of all the coffees we sell in our cafe will be donated to charity.

"We are hoping to have lots of customers in throughout the day and we are one of the best stores in our group for raising money at this event," she added.