The Sidmouth branch of a cancer support charity has thanked Sid Valley residents for their ‘wonderful support’ after the group raised £16,000 in just 12 months.

Diane Herbert, chairman of fundraising for Macmillan in the town, took over the role a year ago, and said she was ‘amazed’ by the level of support the charity has received.

She added: “At a time when people are being asked to give to the many worthwhile causes in Sidmouth, I think we’ve done exceptionally well.

“Macmillian always does particularly well in Sidmouth, and I think it is largely down to our excellent team and the generosity of residents.

“We have volunteers involved with fundraising events, people like Mervyn [Gratton], who sings out in the town once a month, and some people leave the charity money after they die.”

Macmillan supports people living with cancer, and the number of people diagnosed with the disease is increasing by 3.2 per cent every year.

“But it is good news that many people survive thanks to improved diagnosis and treatment,” said Diane. “Last year £125,490 was given in grants to people in Devon with cancer who were suffering from financial hardship as they were unable to work during treatment and had additional costs.

“So, as you can see, your valuable support helps people suffering from cancer in both caring and practical ways.

“Please continue to give us your support in any way you can.”

The charity’s next fundraising event is scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, when a garden party will be held at Southfield, in Bickwell Valley, Sidmouth.

Tickets, priced £5, are payable at the gate and include a cream tea.

The charity is also on the lookout for teams and sponsors to take part in its first ever golf tournament on Friday, July 4, at Sidmouth Golf Club.

Anyone interested can contact Sue Gunston on 01395 519072 for more information.