Businesses in and around Devizes have pledged their support for Pink Week to raise money for Cancer Research UK.

More than 100 businesses around the town will be participating from October 7 to 13 by dressing shop windows, having collection tins and organising fundraising events to raise as much money as possible for breast cancer research.

Organised by the Devizes committee of the charity, the event is in its fourth year and has so far raised £18,778.87.

Bo Miles-Hobbs, of West Lavington and a member of the committee, said: “We have got as many businesses if not more than last year. The support is great and it’s amazing how people have responded.

“We all know people who have been affected by cancer. Thank you to everyone who takes part and the public for donating money, because if they didn’t donate it wouldn’t happen.”

Pink Week started with businesses in Old Swan Yard, Devizes, and has grown considerably. As well as shops in Devizes, a good number in Market Lavington take part, as do Planks Farm Shop at Lydeway and Heads on High hair salon, and The Bridge and the Churchill pubs in West Lavington.

One of the participating businesses this year is Rangebourne Pet Care, in New Park Street, Devizes.

Owner Andy Sheppard said: “It’s great to be involved. Businesses can be the focus of a community and can draw people in. We do a lot for animal charities so it is nice to raise money for a cancer charity. I have had friends who had cancer and survived and some friends who haven’t.”

Pink Week is just one of a whole host of fundraising events organised by the Devizes committee, which began fundraising for Cancer Research UK in 2007. The funds raised this year will take them over the £150,000 milestone.

Maria Gomez, Cancer Research UK’s fundraising manager for Wiltshire, said: “Cancer Research UK has made enormous progress in the fight against cancer and continues to do so. However, we have only been able to do this thanks to the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and supporters, without whom we would not be able to fund our vital research.

“I would like to thank the Devizes committee for the fantastic amount they have raised and the massive contribution they have made to our vital work over the past six years.”