PEOPLE in Wiltshire have been dusting off their aprons to roll out cakes and get their kettles boiling to raise hundreds of pounds in support of Macmillan’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning.

The charity’s national fundraising event on Friday saw people gather, or take a break from working, to tuck into sweet treats, have a hot drink and take part in raffles.

So far, more than £867,000 has been raised across the country to help the cancer support charity.

At Abbeyfield School in Chippenham, teachers took on Year 11 students in a bake-off competition before decorating the cakes to be sold at break time.

A busy coffee morning at Bumpers Farm in the town saw John Williams Heating Services raise £410 thanks to the support from staff at nearby businesses.

John Williams said: "It was a busy and lively morning and we were thrilled to raise more than £400 in just a few short hours."

While over in Devizes, HFT Rowde, the adult learning centre for people with learning disabilities, raised more than £160. Volunteer Anna Hughes added: “It was a really busy morning, in the kitchen we were going full steam ahead."

Devizes funeral directors Charles S. Winchcombe & Son also hosted their annual coffee morning, with a visit from deputy mayor Jane Burton, as well as residents. Including the raffle they raised nearly £400.

Director Paula Winchcombe said: “We are delighted to have raised such a magnificent sum this year for Macmillan with our annual event, the support has been wonderful.”

The Shed Alehouse in Pewsey took part too and hosted a coffee morning with lots of handmade goodies and with the raffle raised just over £330. While staff at Pet Rebellion in Manningford Bohune, near Pewsey, invited fellow businesses at Manningford Estate to tuck into some walnut, carrot and coffee cakes and raised £400.

In Marlborough, staff at St John’s Academy and clothes shop East hosted their own coffee mornings, while St Peter’s Church in the town also invited members of the public to join in.

Lilian Leadbetter, 59, invited people to her coffee morning at Pino’s Restaurant in the High Street, which also included a glass of Prosecco and cakes made by Nish Ellis and Pino’s wife Anna.

It is the second Macmillan coffee morning Miss Leadbetter, of The Green, Marlborough, has organised and £1,000 was raised during the two hour event.

This year was even more poignant for Miss Leadbetter. She said: “In July my dearest old school friend Jane Elizabeth Saint died aged 58 from lung cancer and another great school friend Ruth McKiernan is in a hospice in Lancashire.

“It is a great and worthwhile cause in memory of dearest friends and relatives that have passed.”