Fundraising is underway in Helston this morning in aid of a centre supporting cancer patients around the county.

Hairdresser Becky Cross has already raised thousands of pounds for breast cancer awareness and cancer patients in general, but is hoping to raise more still for a cause close to her heart.

Becky, who owns the Head Rush salon in Coinagehall Street, is collecting for the Mermaid Centre at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, which supported her through a double mastectomy.

The 32-year-old took the brave decision to take preventative action, after discovering she was the carrier of a faulty BRCA2 gene, which, when combined with medication she already takes following a kidney transplant, put her at extremely high risk of getting the disease.

Today she and her staff are in Coinagehall Street until 3pm, selling homemade cakes, sweets and raffle tickets, ahead of a charity evening at the Helston Football Club later on.

From 7pm there will be food, music from the band Crossfire 69, the drawing of the raffle and an auction at 8pm.

Lots for the auction include a spa day and four-course meal for two at the Budock Vean Hotel, overnight stay with breakfast at the Alverton Manor, a family pass for the Eden Project, bespoke chairs from Wooden Heart by Lottie and a range of meal vouchers, including for the Norway Inn, Hellys Tea Room, Richardsons and the Gylly Beach Café, as well as photo shoots and a range of other goods donated by Helston businesses.