The World's Biggest Coffee Morning, raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, kicked off today.

Schools, shops and businesses across Maidstone are supporting the annual event, including coffee specialists Gaggia, Bank Street, which is raising money by raffling a £165 coffee machine in return for donations to the charity.

Manager Lorenzo Miniero said: "We support the charity every year and hope to raise lots of money for this good cause. Hopefully the coffee machine will be an extra incentive to donate."

Gaggia is also selling a jazz CD for a discounted £12.99 with £1 from each sale going to the charity.

Meanwhile, town crier Stephen Yeo was drumming up support on the town’s streets for the Mayor of Maidstone's coffee morning.

Held in the Town Hall, visitors were offered coffee and a selection of cakes plus the chance to look round the council chambers for a minimum £1 donation.

"It was lovely to see so many people turning up to support such a good cause," said Cllr Joy.

Last year, more than 800 coffee morning and events were held across Kent. Nationally, the campaign raised £7.5 million, which the charity hopes to top this year.

Are you holding a coffee morning/afternoon?

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