CANCER survivors and others whose lives have been touched by the disease stepped out for a 24 hour marathon fundraiser last weekend.

Glorious weather marked out Minehead's 2010 Cancer Research UK Relay for Life event, staged for the fifth year running at the town's rugby club.

Around 200 people took part, with a total of 14 teams walking around the field from noon last Saturday to noon the following day.

As usual, the event was launched with a survivors lap of honour, which was followed with a feast of entertainment and activities, ranging from a dance-off and bra and boxer shorts warm-up to challenges to dress a bin bag and eat the most Ferrero Rocher chocolates in a minute - with the winners, the aptly named Pick and Mix team munching a total of eight.

There were also sports events and a variety of stalls, many run by the teams to boost their fundraising efforts.

One of the traditional highlights, the candlelit Ceremony of Hope, gave supporters the chance to remember those who had lost their fight against cancer.

Linda Brooks, who helped organise the event said the atmosphere throughout the 24 hours had been tremendous.

"Everything went really well and the weather was fantastic, which really helped."

The amount raised will not be known for a few weeks but Linda said she hoped it would at least match the £24,000 raised at last year's relay.

A presentation evening for teams is planned to take place in the near future.

Photos: Steve Guscott.