Yate Relay For Life's committee and fundraising team are celebrating a record breaking year for the event that raises money for Cancer Research UK.

The challenge, which includes teams walking around a 400m running track for 24 hours in shifts, has been running in the area since 2005 at Yate Outdoor Sports Complex (YOSC).

Taking place in early July, 600 dedicated fundraisers all participated in the event and contributed their donations together to make one total.

The committee had revealed they had a target of reaching £500,000 by 2020, however they have smashed that this time around after raising over £100,000 this year alone.

A celebration night took place at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Saturday, November 3 where the total of £103,842 was announced to a gathering of people.

Among those in attendance was Mayor of Yate John Ford and some key figures from Cancer Research across the country.

It was then revealed that not only had the Yate Relay smashed targets of their own, but it had also become the top ranked event in the South West for the amount raised.

Samantha Williams, the charities South West Fundraising Manager, said: "This is the most amount raised by any of our fundraising groups in the South West.

"We are blown away by the dedication of the Relay committee and fundraisers. This money will pay for the running of three clinical trials for a whole year."

At the event, the Silver Strollers team who lost key member Moya Simms earlier this year to cancer received the 'Spirit of Relay Award' after continuing to fundraise just after her death in the build up to the event. Nic Lanfear and Yasmin Evans also received recognition.

One of the lead organisers of the event, Beverley Sadier, revealed the reasons for selecting them for the award.

"It must have been extremely tough for them under the circumstances," she said.

"But we are so proud of them and their achievements and are really grateful to them for carrying on.

"Registration will open soon for 2019 and we would love lots of new teams to join us. Especially for our fundraising Glow Walk on November 17 this year where will be walking three miles around the area.

To find out more contact yaterelayforlife.org.uk to see how you can get involved.