FUND-RAISERS across the district have been breaking out the drinks and cakes for the World's Biggest Coffee Morning.

The annual event in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support sees money donated in exchange for rounds of refreshments.

Meryl Milley and Martine Hopkins arranged an event at High Ongar village hall with their total amount raised still to come.

Meryl said: “The raffle went well and a lot of people turned up. It's a lot of hard work, but definitely worth it. Local businesses in Ongar donated the prizes and our friends and family made the cakes so everything we raised went to Macmillan.

“Cancer research is close to everybody's hearts and I think it's it's something which affects most families in one way or another.”

Over in Loughton, accountants Haslers, in Old Station Road, raised more than £700 with a raffle, coffee tables and a variety of cakes on offer.

Marketing executive Kay Lundy said: “It went very well. About 80 people turned up . We had people from other local companies and visitors from Chingford.

“It was the first time we've done it but we wanted to do something for the community. We support a lot of local charities and we wanted to do something for a cause which affects everybody.”

Aves Opticians, in Epping High Street raised more than £60 with their coffee morning.

Optometrist Polly Dulley said: “It went really well. We had quite a lot of patients round and we consumed a lot of tea and cake. We did it last year and it was a success. We've got a lot of local patients so we decided to do the same again. I think you feel part of the community and it's such an important subject and we are happy to support it.”