THOUSANDS of people are preparing to get hot and steamy to help fund a cancer information and support centre in Southampton.

More than 350 local groups, families, businesses and other organisations will be putting the kettle on to take part in Macmillan Cancer Relief's world's biggest coffee morning fundraiser tomorrow.

All proceeds from the events taking place across the county will go to the charity's South Hampshire Appeal.

Backed by the Daily Echo, the appeal aims to raise £1m to fund a state-of-the-art cancer information and support centre at Southampton General Hospital.

Last year about 200 local groups took part in the coffee morning, which asks people to make a donation to Macmillan for each cup of tea or coffee they drink.

This year the number signed up to take part has almost doubled - and more are still signing up every hour.

Now in its 14th year, the world's biggest coffee morning has raised more than £20m nationally. Last year, £4.3m was clocked up in a single morning.

Among those who will be raising their coffee mugs tomorrow will be staff and customers at Snippets hairdressing salon in Deacon Road, Bitterne, Southampton.

Owner Jenny Richmond said: "I never fail to be amazed at how many of my customers' lives have been touched by cancer.

"My salon already holds a Macmillan collection tin on the counter and the coffee morning is an ideal way for customers and staff not only to donate to the charity but to help raise awareness of the new cancer and information support centre."

Building work on the new cancer information and support centre is already under way, with the fundraising appeal recently hitting the half-way mark.

It is hoped the new centre, which will offer everything from counselling to complementary therapies, will open its doors early next year.

To help the appeal, contact Connie McConachie or Vanessa Eden on 023 8023 6367.

GROUPS HOSTING THE WORLD'S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING EVENTS TOMORROW INCLUDE:

Bitterne Conservative Club in Dean Road, Bitterne, Southampton - offering a free cup of coffee, cakes and biscuits in return for a donation to the appeal between 9am and midday.

Residents and guests at Fielders Court, High Street, West End, and Mayflower Court, in Oakley Road, Shirley - the two retirement developments will be serving coffee and biscuits for £1 between 10.30am and midday.

Be Be's Caf in Hythe - offering all-day cuppas from 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Newmans Suzuki in Commercial Road, Totton - staff will be dishing up coffees and donuts between 10am and midday.

Fawley Power Station - workers will be downing tools at 10am for coffees and bacon butties, as well as raffles and cake sales taking place throughout the plant.

Linden Homes' show homes in Eastleigh, Upper Shirley, Bursledon, Sarisbury Green, Dibden Purlieu and Winchester.

Gang Warily Recreation Centre, Blackfield - inviting anyone from the Waterside area along for a cuppa between 10am and midday.

Co-operative Funeralcare offices at Butts Road, Sholing; Manor Farm Road, Bitterne Park; Shirley Road, Freemantle; High Street, Eastleigh, and R Hallum and Son offices in Windermere Avenue, Millbrook, Long Lane, Holbury, and St Mary Street, St Mary's - all from 10am.