A FUNDRAISING group that has raised more than £2million in half a century has received a national award from Cancer Research UK.

The charity’s annual Flame of Hope Awards acknowledges efforts in fundraising and volunteering made by people from all walks of life.

The Blackburn District and Ribble Valley Committee scooped the ‘Fundraising in the Community Award’ accolade, beating off competition from across the UK.

Eric Bancroft picked up the award on behalf of committee members at a special ceremony in London hosted by Cancer Research UK chairman Michael Pragnell.

An audience heard how the group, which has been working hard for 55 years, has raised £2,671,710.

Members of the fundraising committee brought in almost £100,000 in the past 12 months, an increase of £23,000 on the previous year.

Jane Bullock, Cancer Research UK spokeswoman for Lancashire, said: “Every step we make towards beating cancer sooner relies on every pound, every hour and every person.

“These awards are our way of honouring incredible people like the Blackburn District and Ribble Valley Committee who give their time freely to raise money for research and promote greater awareness of the disease, and yet ask for nothing in return.”