A TAUNTON-based cancer charity has raised almost £700,000 since it linked up with the County Gazette.

Latest donations to the Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment (SURE) include £27 from the sale of novelty teapots from Jean Manley; and £447.45 from the Legionnaires Darts Club, Minehead, raised during the 10th anniversary celebrations of the Annette Gregory Cup.

Collected in 5p coins for SURE, which equips the Beacon Centre, at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton, was £45 from the friends of Wellesley Club, Taunton; £35 from Smeatharpe WI; £4.75 from Connie Morley; £134.70 from the Beacon Centre; and £12 from Creech St Michael WI.

Collections pots totalled £3.19 from Tesco Express, High Street, Taunton; £8.36 from the Constitutional Club, Bishop's Hull; £21.26 from the Fish and Chip Shop, Norton Fitzwarren; £62.03 from Tesco Express, Comeytrowe; and £21.14 from the Hungry Horse, Stonegallows.

There was also £20 from J. M. Knight; £68.95, nearly all in 5ps from D. Tancock and family; and a further £144.95 from the Beacon Centre.

The latest total is £1,055.78, meaning £695,917.06 has been raised since SURE linked up with the Gazette.