KETTLES were on the boil this morning as dozens of businesses and offices across Reading opened their doors to the public for the nations biggest coffee morning.

Macmillan's World's Biggest Coffee morning is the charity's largest event of the year which raises money for the millions of people afflicted by cancer across the UK.

Leading the way in Broad Street Mall was a team from sandwich specialists Subway, who had 100 cookies, 25 cup cakes and 50 scones as well as hot beverages on offer for shoppers passing through.

“This is actually our first ever coffee morning,” said Subway's general manager Dina Patel. “We wanted to put on a big spread and already you can see how delighted people are.

“We have already heard moving stories from members of the public who have been affected so it's great to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.”

Since the first small event held in 1990, it has grown to a national level and has raised nearly £140million for Macmillan.

Barclays Bank, on Broad Street, also put on a delicious spread for their customers this morning, which was organised by the premier relationship manager, Glenys Ellis.

She said she was proud Barclays has got involved in such a worthwhile cause.