THE first autumn meeting of the Cogs and Wheels Ladies Morris on October 6 was a particularly special event this year.

The group presented a cheque for £7,862.05 to cancer charity FORCE.

The money was raised primarily by a sponsored marathon in May, when members danced and walked their way from Sticklepath to Launceston Castle.

The ladies were supported by various Morris groups along the route, including the Tinners' Morris, Heather and Gorse, and Cornish group Cat's Eyes.

Before the walk the Cogs and Wheels had managed to raise around half of their £5,000 target, but after the walk they smashed their initial target. Other fundraising events included a Lent Lunch, an art exhibition and a book sale. At all their regular summer dances at local pubs, the ladies have also collected money for the charity.

The cheque was presented by Yvonne Reason, a former member of the Cogs and Wheels, who lost her daughter Sally, also a member of the group, to cancer earlier this year. Sarah Daniels, fundraising manager for the charity, collected the cheque.

Alexa Mason, bagperson for the Cogs and Wheels, said: 'It was a very moving occasion. Sally's mother Yvonne presented the cheque, and spoke about the event and then Sarah Daniels spoke about FORCE, their fundraisers, and the work they do. It was quite touching.

'I think everyone is amazed at quite how much money we have managed to raise.

'The Cogs and Wheels have 22 dancers and half a dozen musicians, and for such a small number, along with our nearest and dearest, to raise this much is amazing.

'There were a few doubters among us when we set ourselves the £5,000 total so we are all very pleasantly surprised to beat it so strongly.

'We couldn't have done it without the wonderful support of the local people, pubs and businesses as well as the other Morris groups who have helped us to raise the money.'

As well as the cheque presentation, the meeting was the first chance for the ladies to try out and practice new dances.

The Cogs and Wheels Ladies Morris expressed thanks to all the dance groups who supported them on their marathon, as well as all the individuals and businesses that helped them to raise such a fantastic sum.