THOUSANDS of people today will raise a cup of coffee in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.

The charity is holding its annual world's biggest coffee morning to raise vital funds to support cancer sufferers and their families.

Events that are taking place today include:

DARLINGTON: Sharps Bedrooms, in Skinnergate, from 10am to 3pm.

North Road Primary School, for pupils, parents and grandparents, from 9.30am to 10.30am. Crown Street Library, town centre, from 10am to noon.

Longfield School, Longfield Road, from 10am to noon.

Bennet House, Horsemarket, tomorrow, from 10am to 12.30pm.

CHILTON: Henderson Community House, Coleridge Road, Chilton, from 10am to noon. There will be bric-a-brac and cake stalls and representatives from the Credit Union will be on hand to give advice.

Spennymoor: Moss Pharmacy, Cheapside, Spennymoor, from 9.30am until 11am. The firm, soon to be renamed Alliance Pharmacy, has nominated Macmillan Cancer Care as its adopted charity next year.

Bishop Auckland: St John's Catholic School, Bishop Auckland, from 12.50pm to 1.30pm, in the school's resource centre.

St Helen's Care Home, St Helen Auckland, near Bishop Auckland, from 10am.