HUNDREDS of cups of coffee were served at events across North Yorkshire as part of a nationwide campaign in aid of Macmillan Cancer Relief.

An estimated 1.5 million people across the UK took part in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning yesterday, with people in and around York getting into the spirit of the day by organising 250 separate events.

Coffee morning locations included Askham Grange Prison, a bus heading for York city centre, a supermarket and a primary school where coffee and cake were consumed as part of the initiative, now in its 12th year.

Pictured right are staff at the Spar shop in Bad Bargain Lane, York, who donned fancy dress to encourage their customers to donate cash.

A fashion show also took place at The Winning Post pub in Bishopthorpe Road, York, also pictured, where staff and regulars enjoyed the colourful show while enjoying a cuppa.

Alex Emsley, Macmillan Cancer Relief York Appeal Co-ordinator, attended several of the coffee mornings.

She said: "I drank so much coffee that I was shaking, but it was a really good day. The idea was to have a bit of fun and chat to people but know that you were helping people who are living with cancer."

A competition to find the most unusual coffee morning location also took place. The winner is due to be announced at a later date. For more information about the York Appeal contact Alex Emsley on 01904 756402.

Updated: 10:55 Saturday, September 28, 2002