RECORD-BREAKING coffee mornings were held in Comet country on Friday in aid of a cancer charity. Children at Weston Way Nursery in Baldock made gingerbread men with the help of MP Oliver Heald and raised more than £100 for Macmillan Cancer Relief, as part

RECORD-BREAKING coffee mornings were held in Comet country on Friday in aid of a cancer charity.

Children at Weston Way Nursery in Baldock made gingerbread men with the help of MP Oliver Heald and raised more than £100 for Macmillan Cancer Relief, as part of The World's Biggest Coffee Morning.

Mr Heald said: "The coffee mornings are great fun but also a great way to raise money for an excellent cause.

"I know that many of my constituents are grateful for the support and care they have received from Macmillan nurses at a difficult time of illness."

MP Barbara Follett joined in the fundraising and held a coffee morning at her constituency office which also raised more than £100.

She said: "This is a cause that is very close to my heart.

"The funds raised by these events will make a real difference to the lives of those who have cancer."

Stevenage mayor Simon Speller joined residents of Walpole Court, in Blenheim Way, Stevenage, for coffee where more than £100 was raised and LA Fitness, in The Plaza, Stevenage, notched up over £170 at their event.

Weightwatchers in Baldock raised £299 selling teas, coffees and cakes in the community centre.

Around 3,500 people in Hertfordshire are diagnosed with cancer each year and it is hoped the coffee mornings across the county can contribute around £135,000 to the much needed £7m national target for Macmillan nurses, who provide a source of practical, medical, emotional and financial support.

For more information about Macmillan nurses visit www.macmillan.org.uk