CHARITY shop workers snipped a ribbon to mark the start of a cancer awareness campaign.

Staff at the Imperial Cancer Research shop, on Linthorpe Road, in Middlesbrough, are among those keen to promote October as Breast Cancer Awareness month.

They marked its launch in style by cutting a pink ribbon outside the shop.

Manager Shirley Boyle said it was important for everyone to take heed of the promotion.

"It's a national thing that all the shops are taking part in," she said.

"The month is very important because breast cancer is something that everyone needs to be aware of."

Throughout the month, information leaflets giving a rundown of the disease will be available at the shop.

There will also be a giant pink ribbon that people can sign in memory of those they have lost to cancer.