ALMOST £500 was raised for Taunton cancer charity Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment over the past week.

Among cash handed over to the County Gazette-backed SURE, which equips the Beacon Centre cancer unit at Taunton's Musgrove Park Hospital, was £60 in 5p coins from Hemyock Short Mat Bowling team.

There was also £36.07 from the collection pot at the coffee shop at the Beacon Centre reception, an anonymous donation of £2.70 and £146 donation from Puriton Bingo.

Further money raised included £45 from the collection pot at Wembdon Post Office and Stores, £24.16 from the collection pot at Trull Stores, and £65.05 from the collection pots at Tesco Express, East Reach.

There was £14.35 in 5ps from Mrs D. Seymour and £90.35 from the Beacon Centre.

The past week's total of £483.68 means £603,457.27 has been raised since SURE linked up with the Gazette.