A RECORD number of coffee mornings were held in Worcestershire in a bid to raise thousands of pounds to fund services and help for cancer sufferers.

This year 474 coffee mornings were arranged on the same day across the county to drum up cash for Macmillan Cancer Relief - outstripping the 365 organised last year.

Organisers are still counting the cash but hope to have raised at least £60,000 in Worcestershire alone - £10,000 more than in 2003.

Businesses, schools, and organisations across the county brewed hot drinks and baked cakes to take part in Macmillan's World's Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday, September 24.

Money raised by the event will help fund specialist Macmillan medical staff, cancer treatment centres and grants for cancer sufferers with financial difficulties.

Sub-postmaster Rosemary Kennedy, from Inkberrow Post Office, this year raised £2,250 - bringing the total she has generated over the last eight years to more than £15,000.

"It was a marvellous day. There were about 150 to 200 people that came along and had a cuppa as well as taking part in the raffle and white elephant stall," said Mrs Kennedy.

"It really shows how the community pulls together."

Mrs Kennedy, aged 53, began organising the events after the loss of a number of close friends to cancer.

"It's down to all the villagers that help out and support the coffee mornings that we've managed to raise so much over the years. It's a great achievement.

"It's a chance for many of the villagers to get together and I hope we continue to hold them."

Macmillan's spokesman Jon Rayner said he was "gobsmacked" by the response and generosity of Worcestershire people.

"It never ceases to amaze me that so many people take part," he said.

"Every year we think it surely can't be better than the last, yet more and more people take part and this year has again proved a huge success.

"I think the secret to its success is that coffee mornings are so simple to organise and anyone can get involved."

The event was also an official attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the largest simultaneous party, set by the charity last year when 576,157 people took part in the coffee morning extravaganza across the world, raising more than £4m.

"I'm sure this year we've broken that record," said Mr Rayner.

If you want to make a donation to the charity call 0845 602 1246 or visit www.macmillan.org.uk.