THERE has been a touch of colour to brighten up the darkening autumn days in Ludlow.

The town has been in the pink to help the Haven Breast Cancer Care unit in Hereford.

Behind the idea are mother and daughter duo Jennifer and Harriet Leyton-Purrier from the New Image hair salon in Corve Street.

It is the third year they have run the event and this year 60 shops and businesses in the town are taking part.

All of the shops have been given balloons and merchandise but each one decides how they raise the money.

“In some cases it is just a case of having a collection box but others will have their own fund-raising activities like making cakes,” said Jennifer Leyton-Purrier.

“We know that money is tight but every donation counts and can make a difference even if it is just a few pennies.”

The mother and daughter team decided to support the charity because running a hair styling business they come across a lot of people who have been touched by breast cancer.

“This is a disease that affects women and families of all ages and it can also affect men.

“One of the great things about the Haven is that they don’t only support the cancer victim but also the wider family. This is very important at a time of cuts because as well as the medical issues there are also practical problems like finance.”

The Haven helps people throughout south Shropshire and does not receive any government funding so is reliant upon the community to be able to do its work.

For the first time this year Craven Arms, where there will be hula hoop sessions, has joined in with the fund-raising. This has been made possible with the help of the leaders at the town's community centre.

“We are thrilled to be linked with Craven Arms and hope that in future years the pink link will extend to the other market towns throughout the area,” added Mrs Leyton-Purrier.

“It’s not just about raising money but also awareness and bringing some colour into the town."

The pink week finishes on Sunday but fund-raising will continue until the end of October.

Anyone interested in getting involved should contact New Image on 01584 872637.