PEOPLE from Hethersett, Wymondham and Attle-borough are among those who have been named champion fundraisers for Macmillan Cancer Support.

PEOPLE from Hethersett, Wymondham and Attle-borough are among those who have been named champion fundraisers for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Whether it is organising coffee mornings, doing street collections or sponsored walks, their tireless efforts have helped provide vital services for cancer patients and their families, such as nurses to give specialist care and grants to help ease financial burdens.

Last year fundraising groups in Norfolk raised more than �260,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan honoured the achievements of many volunteers at an awards ceremony hosted by TV presenter Clare Weller at Barnham Broom Hotel.

Peter de Bunsen, Macmillan's county chairman, said: "It is absolutely phenomenal the amount of money our volunteers raise.

"Through their fundraising people are helping to pay for Macmillan-funded posts which are at the forefront of cancer care and support in Norfolk."

Shop manager Mary Hardy and her team at the Hethersett Macmillan shop were rewarded after raising �481,000 since the shop opened in 1993. The shop, which has around 60 volunteers, is one of just a handful in the country and all profits are used in Norfolk.

Mrs Hardy said: "People are very good at donating - we get lots to sell and I think we have a reputation now. For people in the village it's a very good meeting place and they tell us we are good counsellors."

Wymondham man John Whiterod, 66, organises car boot sales and country and western dances together with his wife Maureen and friends Peter and Ruth Burgess as his part of the fundraising.

When Mr Whiterod's sister, Joan Soanes, died of cancer at the age of 54 around six years ago, he joined forces with his wife, who received support from Macmillan nurses while her ex-husband was dying of cancer, to start raising money.