STAFF at Cirencester Friendly Society are in the middle of a treadmill challenge outside their Bingham Hall offices as they put on their running shoes to help raise money for Cancer Research UK.

Employees at the income protection firm have been taking it in turns to run, walk or jog on a treadmill outside their Bingham Hall offices to encourage passers-by to donate.

They are hoping to raise more than £1,000 by moving a total distance of 26.6 miles, the distance between the Bingham Hall and the statue of George Holloway in Stroud and back.

The company offers a Holloway style protection scheme styled after the system that was pioneered by the 19th century Stroud MP.

Inside the building, they are inviting members of the public to come in and purchase cakes in aid of Cancer Research UK.

Farhana Syeda, marketing assistant at Cirencester Friendly, said: “I was second on the treadmill and I don’t think I did too bad, I had a good go!

“It’s been so far so good, we’ve had some really generous donations and it’s a team effort, we are all getting involved.”

Cancer Research UK is the Friendly Society's charity of the year, chosen by staff who voted on a selection of charities that were nominated for their support.

For more information about their work go to cirencester-friendly.co.uk