JUNE 3: PEOPLE are limbering up to take part in Swindon Cares week. And Zurich Financial Services, a supporter of Swindon Cares and a member of the fundraising committee, will rise to the occasion by baking cakes.

The Swindon-based company, plans to host a cake bake during the week of fundraising for local charities, which starts on July 14.

Pam Webb, manager of Zurich Cares, the employee's community programme, said: "We often run charity cake bakes. They are a great way to raise money and give our staff an extra breakfast."

The committee aims to raise money for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Macmillan Cancer Relief and Age Concern Swindon.

Zurich, which employs around 3,000 people in Swindon, also hopes to have a dress down day in aid of the charities.

The Evening Advertiser, Swindon Rotary Club, GWR fm, Swindon Borough Council, the Swindon Chamber of Commerce and Nationwide Building Society are also on the committee, which was established last year.

The aim is to involve the entire community, including local schools, supermarkets, sports clubs and businesses, in the fundraising festivities.

Committee members are currently sending out fundraising packs to these organisations. Nationwide spokeswoman Michelle Leighton said: "This is a tremendously exciting project and we are thrilled to be part of it."

But she wants to keep their fundraising plans under wraps.

"We are still brainstorming ideas and cannot reveal them just yet.

"But we have around 3,000 staff here and will be encouraging everyone to get involved," she added.