FLOODS of purple filled Lydney on Saturday as Cancer Research UK Relay For Life launched their 10 year big birthday bash.

Some 28 businesses donned all things purple including wigs, cakes and balloons to celebrate the charity's Relay for Life, which returns in June, and has raised a whopping £500,000 in the Forest alone.

Unlike previous years, where the committee has kicked off the event in creative-style including an open-top bus and a right royal tea party, this year they decided to 'go back to basics' and involve the teams.

Senior relay development executive, Lynne Garner said: "Purple is the globally recognised colour of survivorship, so with this in mind, local shops were asked to display purple balloons and posters in their windows for one week, beginning January 27, along with as much purple as they would like, and purple ribbons were dotted on every available lamp post. This all culminated with The Old Post Office (Dillons) being transformed into a table sale for the teams to 'sell their wares' along with a collection at the Co-op giving teams every opportunity to get involved."

Their new relay mascot, Relay Monkey, also joined the team of fundraisers as he wanted to make his presence known to those participating in this year's race.

"We got a monkey as it is good in terms of the healthy living advice, and he will be giving out bananas at promotions in the future to promote healthy eating," Lynne added.

In freezing temperatures the committee and teams managed to raise £2,003 including around £170 from store collection slots in the Co-op.

Lynne Garner said: "For such a small town this is a magnificent achievement. Relay is always amazing, however, this year the ten year big birthday bash has all the signs that it will be even bigger and better! With 24 teams already registered and actively fundraising, the excitement is already building for the event taking place on The Dean Academy School site/Forest Leisure in Lydney on the weekend of June 28 and 29."

For more information about the Relay For Life visit http://www.forestofdeanrelay.org.uk">www.forestofdeanrelay.org.uk or call Neil Garner on

01594 845773.