PEOPLE in Evesham were left scratching their heads on Saturday as the town was covered with white ribbons.

The 40 little ribbons, which appeared all over the town, caused quite a stir with suggestions that they lined the route to a wedding or paid tribute to a loved one.

In fact they were a publicity stunt by the organisers of the Evesham Relay for Life, a huge fundraising event in support of Cancer Research.

With the dates for this year's 24 hour event revealed, it will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29, organisers wanted to encourage people to get involved.

Paul Baylis, volunteer event chair, said: "We wanted to try and get the town talking so we tied the ribbons around the town. Then this Saturday we will be doing it again, 40 white ribbons and 80 purple ribbons.

"We will be in the town over the weekend doing street collections and encouraging people to sign up to take part.

"We had our best year last year and it's how do we better that. We raised a massive £87,000, putting us in the top five relays in the UK.

"The total we are aiming to raise this year is £90,000."

To take part or for more information contact Paul Baylis on 01386 423456, visit eveshamrelay.org.uk or pop into Evesham this Saturday and see the team.