Following the death of her mother to cancer 21 years ago, villager Gay Mathie started a fundraising group along with friends Suzanne Pratt, Sue Jones, Carol Walker, Linda Lower and Maureen Holder.

They have since had the support of many other volunteers and businesses in the area and have dedicated much of their time to organising coffee mornings, lunches, Christmas events - and even a hairdressing marathon. Birmingham University’s head of the Cancer Research Institute for cancer studies Prof Paul Moss joined the group at the village hall to congratulate them.

He spoke about the work of his department and how advances made in cancer treatment and care over the last two decades have enabled more people to survive longer.

Speaking after the event, Mrs Mathie said: “We were absolutely thrilled when Prof Moss agreed to join us for our celebration. He was an extremely interesting speaker and it was a great opportunity for everyone to hear from someone who is actually leading the work about the progress that is being made and how their fundraising efforts are making a difference.”

From the left are Prof Paul Moss (rear), Linda Lower, Maureen Holder, Sue Jones, Suzanne Pratt, Gay Mathie, Carol Walker and Jan West.