Malvern landmarks have been lighting up purple to raise awareness of a devastating cancer.

The buzzards sculpture in Rosebank Gardens and North Malvern Clock Tower are among the landmarks across the world taking part in the Purple Lights for Pancreatic Cancer campaign.

Malvern businesses Andrew Slater Hairdressers, Belle Beauty at Link Top and Santander Bank are also taking part.

The campaign is particularly close to the hearts of two Malvern sisters following the death of their father from pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

“On February 1, we lost our dear dad, Brian Willis to pancreatic cancer, just 14 weeks from diagnosis, which was devastating,” said Laura Todd.

“Seven years ago we also lost our auntie to the same cancer just six weeks after diagnosis.

“Pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rate of all cancers. 80% of people are diagnosed too late, mainly due to such vague symptoms.

“Survival rates for most cancers are improving but sadly this is not the case for this cruel cancer - the average life expectancy is just 4-6 months.

“Early diagnosis is vital. There's been a breakthrough in recent months, with a new clinical study to develop a breath test that could detect pancreatic cancer early enough to save thousands of lives a year. This study still needs a great deal of funding, but the results are already looking promising.”

Laura has already completed a charity skydive, raising £6,888.59 for Pancreatic Cancer UK.

The family asked Malvern Town Council to take part in Purple Lights and councillors were happy to support the cause.

“We want to raise awareness and remember lost loved ones by seeing as many landmarks, shops, businesses, and homes as possible light up purple on November 16, which is World Pancreatic Cancer Day, or any day in November,” said Laura.

Laura and her sister Helen Willis were joined at the buzzards this week by Malvern mayor Clive Hooper and councillors Anne Cherry and Clive Fletcher.