The Somerset County Gazette has successfully completed the biggest fund-raising campaign in the paper’s 168-year history.

Cancer services in the county are to receive a huge boost thanks to the £485,000 raised in the Newsquest title’s ‘Cash for Cancer Relief’ appeal.

The appeal target has been reached in just 12 months with the money being used by Macmillan Cancer Relief to expand and meet demand for its services across the county.

In Somerset alone 55 people a week are diagnosed with cancer and the majority undergo treatment locally.

County Gazette news editor Tamsin Curtis, who co-ordinated the appeal, said: “All of us have been touched by cancer in some way and know someone who has suffered from cancer or is undergoing treatment.

“The County Gazette’s ‘Cash for Cancer Relief’ campaign will make a real difference to those most in need and we’d like to thank everyone who got involved in the appeal to help it reach its target.”

Taunton MP Adrian Flook said: “To raise nearly £½million in a year is a fantastic achievement for everyone who got involved by taking part in everything from coffee mornings to sponsored runs.

“I was honoured to be at the launch of the appeal, but the real heroes are all those who have made this such a success.”

Michele Evans, fundraising manager for Macmillan in Somerset, said: “It’s amazing that we’ve managed to reach the target just a year after launching the appeal.

“The support that it has received, and the instrumental role the County Gazette has played, has made it a huge success.”