A LONG-STANDING Ringwood business is hoping homemade cakes will be the perfect bait to net much-needed funds to help cancer sufferers.

The Tackle Shop, 5 The Bridges, is selling chocolate cakes in aid of Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Owner Richard Middleton said: "One of our customers told us about the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation and how it raises funds to help local people who are facing difficulties because of cancer.

"We have been trading for 35 years and have known many people, including anglers, who have struggled against or lost their lives to cancer."

The cakes are cooked up by Richard's daughter Katy.

He added: "We were really impressed by the way the charity helps local people with practical problems, such as paying for wigs following cancer and as we have a great bunch of regulars here who just happen to like cakes, my 16-year-old daughter Katy has been busy baking.

"We may end up selling more waders as their waistlines expand - but it's for a very worthy cause."

The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation was set up in 2012 by a group of local people to provide practical help for people and families affected by cancer.

Every penny raised by the charity helps fund individual grants for anything from a new specialist bed, to childcare for someone undergoing cancer treatment.

The charity's chairman, Chris Moore said: "It seems that Katy's cakes are the perfect 'bait' for fishermen.

"We're very grateful to The Tackle Shop for their support and hope other businesses will follow their lead and request one of our collecting tins."

From September 12-19, DCCF is asking businesses and organisations to take part in its awareness week by fundraising for the charity in whatever way they can, from hosting a collecting tin, to selling cakes, dressing up for the day or holding a raffle.

For more information contact Andrea Campbell on 07790 020782 or email: andrealc62@gmail.com