CANCER Research UK became the eighth charity to open a shop in Marlborough as survivor Christopher Cutforth cut the ribbon on the new store on Friday.

The shop has taken over the premises in the High Street which was previously home to independent business Kitchenmonger.

Retired farmer Mr Cutforth, 89, from Shaw Farm, near Lockeridge, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1997.

Initially he received conflicting advice from doctors about the best treatment for him but opted to have surgery rather than chemotherapy which he was told had less guarantee of success.

He said: “I am very glad I took the decision I did. I have been almost 18 years free of cancer with the help of occasional maintenance drug therapy”.

Such was his recovery from surgery that Mr Cutforth was able to continue for another nine years as a part-time hockey coach at Marlborough College until he retired on his 80th birthday.

Mr Cutforth was joined by members of the Marlborough Cancer Research UK committee, including his wife Pat who is one of the most prolific fundraisers on the team.

Pat Thompson, chairman of the Marlborough Cancer Research UK fundraising committee, who has been a member for more than 30 years, said: “It will be good to have a new Cancer Research UK shop in the town.

“We have on average 15 people on our committee, many of whom have given many years of service.

“They are very faithful volunteers, with amazing staying power – although we are always on the lookout for newcomers interested in fundraising to join us - and I hope the new shop will get the support of equally dedicated volunteers”.

The shop’s profits will go towards the charity’s work to help beat cancer and there is also a community board with health information leaflets.

The shop features large women’s and men's sections and a children’s department with books, games and toys.