EVESHAM was painted purple this weekend as the town's Relay for Life team were out in force covering landmarks with little ribbons.

More than 100 purple and white ribbons were put up around the town centre by organisers of the event, which raises thousands of pounds for Cancer Research UK.

And the organisers got into the spirit of the event and donned purple wigs and tutus to promote the event and encourage people to take part in the fundraiser.

The weekend promotion of Relay for Life also revealed the meaning behind the white ribbons which appeared in the town last weekend and left people scratching their heads.

The ribbons caused quite a stir and suggestions were made that they lined the route to a wedding or paid tribute to a loved one.

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

This year's 24 long relay event is set to take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 28 and 29 at Evesham High School and organisers are hoping to top last year's record breaking amount of money raised.

Mr Baylis added: "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.

"Thanks to the huge generosity of the Evesham people on Saturday we raised the amazing amount of £486.90 for Cancer Research UK."

Anyone who is interested in taking part in this fun packed event contact 01386 423456 or visit the website www.eveshamrelay.org.uk.