IF staff in two superstores in Hereford started wearing very large ties to work last week it was for a good cause.

They were trying to draw the attention of their customers to the high rate of bowel cancer cases, said to be the second biggest killer in the country.

Eating plenty of fruit and veg is claimed to be one way of reducing the risk of becoming a victim and the Loud Tie Campaign was introduced to try and spread the message nationally.

The colorectal nursing department at Hereford County Hospital linked up with Sainsbury and Safeway Stores in Hereford and the staff agreed to wear loud ties to highlight the campaign.

The stores laid out special fruit and veg displays, handed out free samples and made explanatory leaflets available.