Organisers of the Valleys Relay for Life thanked the people of Gwent after its fund-raising total broke through the quarter of a million pounds barrier.

This has all been raised in less than four years, with the total now standing at £228,000 for the Cancer Research UK fundraiser.

The milestone was reached after an event at Blackwood Rugby Club last week, where Elvis impersonator Peter Edwards performed as well as DJ John Welch.

In total, the 100 people present raised £1,250, with Barclays Bank in Blackwood adding an extra £750.

Valleys Relay for Life chairwoman Bridget McNally thanked all the people who have helped raise funds as well as managers at venues like the Maes Manor and Blackwood Rugby Club, who give their facilities free of charge.

She said: "It is an amazing achievement and down to the hard work of so many people."

Miss McNally - who has battled breast, bone and liver cancer since first being diagnosed in 2003- has spearheaded the drive and is also an ambassador for Cancer Research UK.

On top of the £228,000, she raised £5,250 after climbing Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro in 2005 and was awarded an MBE last year.

Miss McNally is hoping the total can be added to considerably with this year's relay taking place at the Sue Noake Leisure Centre, Ystrad Mynach, on July 17 and 18.

It is a 24 hour relay, with sponsored teams walking, jogging or running around the track continuously for that period.

If you would like to take part as a fundraiser or a cancer sufferer or survivor, call Miss McNally on 07816681180.