ENJOYING a cup of tea could help raise money for two east Durham schemes that help cancer victims and their carers.

The Macmillan East Durham Appeal needs more money to help meet an annual bill for cancer support services that is expected to reach £130,000 this year.

The Macmillan charity operates two projects in east Durham, a Carer Scheme and an Information and Support Centre.

Yesterday, Margaret Tennant, who runs the Carer Scheme, invited people in the area to hold a fundraising coffee morning on September 30.

The Carer Scheme, based at Peterlee Community Hospital, is open seven days a week to provide practical help and support to people with cancer.

It also provides respite for the carers of cancer patients.

The Information and Support Centre, in Peterlee town centre, provides a local drop-in where people can obtain information about cancer and other support services in the area, such as benefits advice and complementary therapies.

But the services must be funded and, as well as encouraging the staging of the coffee mornings, the charity is seeking volunteers.

A spokeswoman for the charity said: "We are also looking for local people who would like to join one of our fundraising groups or start a new one."

For details, call 0191-378 1188.