THOUSANDS of 5p coins were donated to Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment last week - 17 more and the cancer charity would have received donations totalling £1,000.

The County Gazette-backed SURE uses the money to buy equipment for the Beacon Centre cancer unit at Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton.

The 5ps came from Mrs Setter and friends (£34); Sarah Miller's bingo and line dancing ladies, of Bridgwater (£49); Minster Pharmacy, Ilminster (£145.70); David Miller (£13.85); and the Beacon Centre (£112.80).

Taunton Deane Morris Men raised £454 from various performances in Taunton; Robin Smith, of Puriton, handed over £52 from a quiz evening; there was £12 from A. Lemon; and an anonymous donation of £7.50.

Collection pots totalled £43.51 at Taunton Country Market; £12.02 at Trull Stores; £43.57 from the One Stop Shop, Galmington; and £19.20 from Minster Pharmacy.

The weekly total of £999.15 means was raised for SURE last week, meaning £663,701.88 has been raised for the charity since it linked up with the County Gazette.