TRADERS, community groups and residents have turned Barnard Castle pink as part of the Cancer Research UK Teesdale branch’s efforts to raise cash and awareness of the disease.
Shop windows have been specially decorated and a host of events is continuing as the campaign enters its second and final week.
The town’s volunteer gardeners known as the workers have been doing their bit to support the campaign.
The workers, who are part of Barney’s Christmas lights group, added glittering pink lights to the Market Cross and also decorated a dead tree along Galgate.
Roger Peat of the group said: “It’s been dead about a year. When the workers were out cleaning up they were going to dig it out but we thought we would paint it pink. I’m not sure what we’ll do with it afterwards.”
Of the Teesdale branch of Cancer Research UK he added: “It is a fantastic effort they put into the campaign and they have a lot of respect from the local community.
“They always have a smile so it is a pleasure to do this in support of them.
“They have helped us with the car rally for the Christmas lights so we like to help them too.”
Elsewhere, staff at King’s Court Care Home, in Market Place, were inundated with guests for a coffee morning on when residents were joined by family and friends for a veritable feast of pink themed cakes and biscuits whipped up by kitchen assistant Lindsey Taylor.
Staff and residents also put together pink themed pamper hampers which were raffled to raise money for the cancer charity.
Visiting family member Wendy Hobson-Howe said: “It was an amazing event and so well supported.
“It was lovely to catch up with mum and great to see so many people supporting such a worthwhile charity.”
Youngsters have also been doing their bit.
Members of The Hub’s social action group, aged 11 to 14, turned their entrance window into a pink-themed Halloween display, using dyed recycled bed sheets to create a giant pink pumpkin.
Another group of youngsters joined artist Jo Pickering for a morning’s painting at The Old Well Inn, on The Bank, and later the same day, singer-songwriter Andrew Yeadon was joined by musician Paul Hughes to play a few tunes.
The campaign draws to a close this weekend, but not before a number of other events are staged, including Pink Day at Barnard Castle Cricket Club on Thursday, October 19.
It takes place from 10.30am to 4.30pm and there will be a cake stall, tombola, raffle, Christmas cards, diaries and calendars.
Admission is £2.50 and includes refreshments.
Also on Thursday, open mic night at The Old Well will see performers support the campaign.
