Twin nine-year-old sisters have raised thousands of pounds for Cancer Research in memory of their grandmother and great-grandmother.

Ellie-Mae and Lily-Rose Robinson, of Wickford, raised almost £2,000 with an afternoon tea.

The siblings decided at the start of the year they wanted to hold a fundraising event for a charity close to their hearts, and hand wrote 40 letters to local businesses to ask for raffle prizes.

With the support of their mother Vicki, and aunt Sam, they decided to raise money in memory of both their grandmother and great-grandmother who both had cancer.

Proud dad James Robinson said: “Though they thankfully haven’t really seen the effects of an illness so widespread as cancer on a close family member, after learning more about their nan they decided that it was the right charity to raise money for.

“It took off much quicker than we thought it would.

“Everybody loved what they were doing and they received so many kind donations and messages of support.”

More than 70 friends and family attended the fundraising event, held at the Robinson’s home in Fyfield Avenue, raising £1,960 for Cancer Research UK.

Mr Robinson said: “We put the word out about the event on social media for them and it just really took off from there.

“If we had known what it would grow into, I think we would have decided to hire out a venue because eventually the whole thing became too big for our back garden, which was brilliant, especially for their first event.

“It all came from them, and they have had a fantastic time running the whole thing - from deciding the Minnie Mouse theme to contacting sponsors. We had so many messages that they are even considering running a bigger day next year.

“We are just so proud of all their efforts.”

Donations from Michael Frank Jewellers in Wickford, tickets to Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s Matilda, and family passes to Marsh Farm Animal Adventure Park were among the prizes. Donate at justgiving.com/fundraising/ellie-lily.