Fitness, fundraising and a lot of fun caused females to flock to the Civic Centre last weekend.

An exercise marathon, organised by girls-only gym Fitness Connection on Bethel Street, raised hundreds of pounds for a new machine to help breast cancer sufferers on the road to recovery.

More than 80 girls and women donned pink for the special event on Sunday, March 7, which saw the participants take on a number of routines, from the Jane Fonda 1980s keep fit-era to modern-day Body Combat and Pilates classes.

The day was such a success that organiser Shelley Moore is hoping it will become an annual event.

"We had an absolutely brilliant day," she said. "It was great because everyone helped to make it a success and there was such a good atmosphere.  A stall on Heywood Market donated fruit for all the girls and a friend made sandwiches, so everyone pitched in.  I want to give a big thank you to everyone involved for making it such a success. At the end of the event I asked if anyone would want to do it again next year and they all cheered, so it would be brilliant if we can hold something similar every year."

All the participants paid £10 each to take part, meaning the day has raised at least £800, but with more sponsorship money and donations to be counted, Shelley hopes that total will be greatly exceeded.

The proceeds are going towards an appeal for a special machine at the Royal Oldham Hospital, which tattoos nipples for women who have had reconstructive surgery.

Shelley said: "It's a fantastic cause. Many women who took part had been personally affected by breast cancer and I gave a talk at the start of the day explaining what the money will be used for. It was very emotional for a lot of the ladies. Most women from Heywood with breast cancer are treated at the Royal Oldham Hospital so it could help many Heywood families."

If anyone would like to donate to the appeal, contact Fitness Connection on 01706 360383.