KETTLES were boiled and cakes baked in Winchester in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

M&S Winchester on the High Street were one of many around the district who got involved, with customers enjoying a slice of cake and a cup of coffee.

Ahead of the event, Ben Wettingsteel, M&S Winchester’s cold chain manager, had cycled nearly 160 miles over two days to raise funds for the charity.

Sam Harrison, cafe manager at M&S Winchester, added: “Our stationary bike ride covered the distance from Winchester to Paris, and we also had a raffle. Our target is to fundraise more than £4,000.”

2017 marks the eighth year that M&S has partnered with Macmillan Cancer Support – a collaboration that has raised £10 million for the charity to date.

Each year, M&S hosts World’s Biggest Coffee Morning events in its stores across the length and breadth of the country.

The collective efforts of stores and customers helps fund vital support and services for people living with cancer across the UK.

This year, M&S and Macmillan are aiming to surpass last year’s fundraising total of £3.2million - enough to fund 66 Macmillan health care professionals for a year.

Matt Sellen, store manager at M&S Winchester, said: “The annual coffee morning is a great way to bring friends, family and communities together, all whilst raising funds for a fantastic cause. We hope that this year’s event will be our most successful yet.”

Vocal group The Spitfire Sisters also entertained coffee and cake lovers at Winchester’s Guildhall

for its coffee morning, where there was a chance to meet local independents including Chococo, the Corner House, Flat Whites’ and Raw Bean.

Guests took part in Winchester’s Big Bake Off organised by award-winning Winchester cake decorator Sarah Sibley, before enjoying a couple of lunchtime coffee cocktails by Cabinet Rooms and Conker Spirits.