Volunteers in Lyme Regis have been recognised for raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for cancer research.

The town's branch of Cancer Research UK has raised an impressive £200,000 since 2008 when it was founded, and was recognised by the charity at their latest fundraiser.

A team of committee members and helpers served 160 full English breakfasts and held a raffle and sold cakes at Woodmead Halls on Saturday, March 30.

They took a record £1,300 at the 'Big Breakfast' which is one of the group's primary fundraisers that they hold every year.

The highlight of the morning was the presentation of a certificate for raising £200,000 over the past 16 years.

Cancer Research relationship manager for Devon and Dorset Viki Barrit was on hand to present the volunteers who presented her with a giant cheque.

Introducing Mrs Barrit, branch chairman Philip Evans MBE paid tribute to the people of Lyme for their wonderful support at the event.

He said “When we launched our branch in 2008 we never imagined we could raise such a large sum as £200,000.

"That’s a fantastic achievement for such a small town and we have now set our target of raising a quarter of a million pounds.”

Mr Evans also thanked all the local businesses who had supported the event, especially Lyme Bay Butcher’s.

At the event Mrs Barrit spoke about the great strides being made in the fight against the disease and gave statistics about the different forms of cancers in Dorset.

She said: "The Lyme Regis Committee is such a dedicated group who have raised this tremendous amount of money over the last 16 years.

"A very big thank you to them and the amazing Big Breakfast events they host in aid of Cancer Research UK. Thank you everyone for your support."

Members of the Lyme committee attended another Big Breakfast at Kilmington, near Axminster, where the women of the village raised in excess of £2,600.

In October of last year, the group raised £700 at the soup and sweets lunch. Donations on the day were boosted by a donation of £100 in memory of Joan Gallop, a regular supporter of the group who had recently died. 

The branch will be holding a number of events throughout the year, including its soup and sweets lunch, a curry night, a concert by the Treorchy Male Choir, a Christmas bingo and a coffee morning in Axminster.