FARMERS will be brewing up to raise money for a well-known cancer charity.

Like thousands of people across the UK, the farmers, in Richmond, North Yorkshire, are taking part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning on Friday, September 26.

Peter Bainbridge, of Browson Bank Farm, and his neighbours will be turning their machinery off and the kettle on in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.

This year sees the charity's 13th fundraising coffee morning, thought to be the world's biggest simultaneous party.

The charity's North Yorkshire spokeswoman, Wilma Burniston, said: "The World's Biggest Coffee Morning is huge and raises over £3m for Macmillan.

"However, it is also as easy as getting your friends, family and colleagues together, putting the kettle on and asking everyone to make a donation for each cup of coffee.

"It is not difficult, but the impact it can make on the lives of those living with cancer is enormous."

Not to be outdone, Ms Burniston is leaving home comforts behind next month to aid the charity.

With help from the Quality Living Health and Fitness Centre, at Scotch Corner, she is in training for a demanding trek along the Inca Trail in Peru. She will leave for the Andes on October 5.

She said: "During my time with Macmillan, I have met and worked with some remarkable people and I have also experienced the loss, through cancer, of some dear colleagues, family and friends."

The Northallerton branch of the charity is raising money to cover the cost of employing a dietician, who can give support to patients who are undergoing cancer treatment and who may be experiencing distressing side-effects.

Ms Burniston said: "The intervention of a dietician is crucial if these patients are to continue treatment and increase their life expectancy."

* To sponsor Ms Burniston, call (01325) 370870. To help out the coffee morning appeal, contact organisers on (01325) 370870.