STAFF at Ginsters in Callington raised thousands of pounds for local people affected by cancer at the company's annual charity ball.

In its fifth year, the ball, held at Devonport Dockyard, brought together around 300 of Ginsters staff, family and friends, suppliers and local businesses.

The black tie event included dinner, a charity auction and other activities, which raised £7,300 for the Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Derriford Hospital.

One of the organisers of the event, Nicky Searle from Ginsters, said: 'We are so pleased to have raised such a great amount and beaten last year's target.'

Sian Harris, fundraising manager for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: 'The staff at Ginsters have been fantastic at raising vital funds over the last five years for the Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre.

'We rely on donations from the local community to help us support people affected by cancer which is why events like this are so important to our work.'

The Mustard Tree Macmillan Cancer Support Centre at Derriford offers a support, advice and information service that includes benefits advice, counselling, complementary therapies and support groups.

People travel from all over Devon and Cornwall for cancer treatment at Derriford Hospital and anyone can access this free support service.

l RIGHT: Sian Harris, fundraising manager at Macmillan Cancer Support with Ginsters staff Darren Rich, Nicky Searle and Jonathan Cowell.