Venues across the district's towns and villages organised events to raise money for the nurses who treat cancer sufferers all over the world.

At Cafe Mezzo, Parish Pandya and Alan Terry arranged a fundraiser that earned £326 for the charity.

Mr Terry said: "It was a great day and everyone really enjoyed themselves. It is amazing how simply enjoying a cup of coffee and catching up with friends and neighbours can make a difference to people affected by cancer."

The volunteers at the Eight O'Clock Club in Petersfield have plenty of experience in running events for the World's Biggest Coffee Morning. The club, based in Winton House on the High Street, have staged an event for this annual fundraiser since it was created and they usually raise several hundred pounds for the charity.

In contrast, Elizabeth Fitzroy Support, based in Hylton Road in Petersfield, was staging its first coffee morning for this event.

The charity, which provides support for adults with all forms of learning disability, reported plenty of trade during their 'debut'.

Organisers said the event took on extra significance for some people associated with the charity, as they had family members and friends who had suffered from cancer.

Fundraising manager Pauline Hoskins said: "On Track members are delighted to have raised £300 for Macmillan Cancer Care.

"They were very happy to welcome so many visitors to On Track and especially pleased to have this opportunity to help others and support such a worthwhile cause."

Staff at The Petersfield School joined in the World's Biggest Coffee Morning.

Teachers and associate staff enjoyed a large selection of home-baked cakes and a welcome cup of coffee during break time.

TPS pupils then ran a cake stall at lunchtime, which sold out.

Sue Bloor, who organised the event, said: "I'm delighted by the response. Everyone has been most generous, both in supplying cakes, and even more importantly, buying them!

"It was lovely to see so many people coming together in aid of a good cause. We have raised over £260, which is fantastic."

Sainsbury's cafe in Liphook looked the part for the charity appeal – and customers arrived early to enjoy a morning coffee before work, knowing the proceeds were going to MacMillan nurses. One customer commented: "I think this is a great idea – my dad died of cancer and I hope a lot of money is raised for these wonderful nurses."

In West Meon, the smell of freshly brewed coffee with a good old traditional English breakfast certainly brought in the customers, as the cafe was packed.

"It's like a conveyor belt in here!" one of the waiters laughed.

A change of venue paid dividends for the organisers of a Macmillan coffee morning in Liss.