DOZENS of people pedalled, paddled and paced their way to raising hundreds of pounds for a cancer.

Entrants from 12 to 65 put themselves forward for the daunting triathlon in Winchester.

Their sterling efforts have given organisers a boost in their quest to raise the £1m needed for a cancer and information centre at Southampton General Hospital.

The event, organised by Macmillan Cancer Relief, featured a 20km bike ride, a 5km run followed by 2km canoe course.

About 70 people took part in the event to raise funds for the Daily Echo-backed appeal.

Scores of fundraising events have already taken place across the county to help build and equip a state-of the-art centre to improve the lives of people with cancer.

The complex will include a range of facilities, including complementary therapies, support groups, information leaflets and Internet access.

Paul Morgan, regional Macmillan fundraising manager, said: "We had fantastic people turn out for this and it was a fabulous day.

"This is the first time the event has been held and it went fantastically well and we are really keen for it to happen next year too.

"The weather was kind to us and we've had great support from so many organisations to make it happen, like the police and local council. It was organised by the Winchester area committee and so much credit must go to them.

"The turn-out was great because the competitors brought family and friends along with them too."