CUSTOMERS to one long-standing business will be tickled pink this month.

That's as owner of Bishop Auckland's Rio Bar, Anna Rea-Dobson, decked out her cafe - and staff team - with all things pink to raise awareness of breast cancer.

The business is one of several in the town to decorate their premises with a colour associated with a specific cancer, ahead of a march again prostate cancer on March 23.

The march is being organised by Durham County Councillor for Bishop Auckland Town, Joy Allen, who wants to bring all the businesses and residents together in a bid to raise £1,000 for Prostate Cancer UK.

Mrs Rea-Dobson, who is also part of Kynren's Experience Team, said she picked breast cancer as she had lost close friends to the disease.

She has already raised £140 for the campaign and thanked everyone for getting involved.

Cllr Allen added: "We are very lucky to have supportive long-standing independent businesses like the Rio Bar Cafe in the town. Anna and her team have really thrown themselves behind this town wide event that is aiming to raise awareness about all cancers in general."

"I am delighted that Anna has chosen to highlight breast cancer, and is encouraging women to take up free screening services and to check their breasts regularly as well as raising money for the breast cancer charity.

"I hope that this event will be the first of many and that it will be responsible for increasing the take up rates in the town for free screening services and we will be encouraging anyone with concerns to visit their doctors to discuss their symptoms with qualified professionals."

The march will take place at the Newgate Centre, at noon.