HUNDREDS of kind-hearted people from the Andover area settled down for a cuppa in aid of charity last week.

About 60 groups around the town took part in the 18th annual, world's biggest coffee morning, which raises funds for Macmillan cancer support.

The coffee morning, Macmillan's flagship fundraising event, saw 50,000 people take part and raise £7.5 million nationally last year.

It's hoped this year the event will raise up to £230,000 in Hampshire from an anticipated 1,500 coffee mornings across the county.

Macmillan staff based at its South Street offices visited coffee mornings held by their neighbours at the Citizens Advice Bureau in South Street, pupils of St John the Baptist primary school, and members of the University of the Third Age at the Methodist Church in Bridge Street.

Hampshire fundraising manager Katie Blake said: "The world's biggest coffee morning has been a fantastic success here in Andover and we've been delighted with the support we've had from everyone.

"Our staff tried to get round as many local coffee mornings as they could and had a warm welcome from everyone."

Over 5,800 people in Hampshire are diagnosed with cancer every year and there are currently 101 Macmillan professionals working across the county.

Co-operative Funeral Directors in Junction Road opened its doors to offer coffee and home-made cakes baked by its staff - raising a total of £205.

Funeral director Judith McGrath, who hosted the event, said: "We try to take part in as many community events as we can.

"We did it for the first time last year and it's just nice to have an opportunity to be involved and raise money for a good cause."