LOOSE Change Buskers have passed another major milestone in their seven years of fundraising for Cancer Research UK by collecting over £350,000.

Founded in 2010,the group has become a familiar sight to shoppers in town centres throughout the borough since it started performing in 2010.

The band was started by Timperley resident Bernard Dolan and his friend and fellow musician, John Fogel, from Altrincham, who were both members of a guitar club.

The inspiration came after someone brought a leaflet into the guitar club about busking for cancer.

Buskers play and travel at their own expense so all the money raised goes directly to Cancer Research. Musicians come from all over Trafford and the rest of the north west.

In 2014 the band received the Flame of Hope Award from Cancer Research UK. This was followed with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2016. At that time Bernard said: "Any award gives us all a huge morale boost. But while it's great to receive recognition for what we achieve, we would carry on anyway.”

More than one member of the band has had direct experience of cancer.

In 2016, after the band had passed the £250,000 mark, Bernard Dolan noted: “One of our players, Mike Moratos, was suffering with skin cancer, but he still came out busking until he was too ill.

“He died of the disease.Our best player, Dave Shannon, died of lung cancer three years ago.These men were an inspiration to us and we will continue in their memory, rain or shine."

Last year Cancer Research UK spent £470 million combating cancer. Cancer Research UK's work is almost entirely funded by the public. It raises money through donations, legacies, community fundraising, events, retail and corporate partnerships.