THE Cirencester branch of Macmillan has been nominated for a top fundraising award.

The Cotswold team have been recognised at one of the UK fundraisers of the year for 2016, having raised almost £650,000 the branch opened 40 years ago.

The Cirencester committee raised more than £36,000 in 2016 by a whole raft of activities, from a Christmas fayre in the parish church, to the annual Stratton Show, its annual Golf Day at Cirencester Golf Club.

Branch chairman Jenny Jarvis joined Cirencester Macmillan in 2002 and became chair in 2006.

She said: “I was very nervous as the previous chairman for many years and a great driving force was Tom Goodfield and very big shoes to step into to.

“The whole of the Cirencester Macmillan team are volunteers, just to be nominated is enough of a reward and we are all thrilled.

“Over the years our events have developed and become bigger.

“For a small group it’s hard work, however we organise our tasks and work as a tight knit team on each event and lean on family and friends for extra helping hands.

“We all recognise we wouldn’t be successful if it wasn’t for the incredible support from the people of Cirencester who support our events and often pitch in and help and we are also grateful of the support from local businesses.”

The winner of the competition will be announced in March.

The next curry quiz night Macmillan are holding will be at the Bingham Hall, Cirencester, on February 18, starting at 7-30pm.

Tickets costing £10 are available now from committee members, including Jenny Jarvis at Alexcars on 07917 037960.