THE first ever 'Business Beats Cancer Ayrshire' charity event has raised almost £50,000 for charity.

The event, created by seven business leaders from Ayrshire, was aimed at raising money for Cancer Research UK and to help with the battle against cancer.

Maybole Pipe Band kick started the evening at the Turnberry resort before chair Lorna Dempsey welcomed guests to the inaugral event and introduced the seven business leaders that put on the event.

Team GB rugby sevens player Robbie Fergusson, who was born in Ayr, shared his own cancer story, havin been diagnosed in his teens with Hodgkin's lymphoma before returning to the field in 2014.

Scottish businesswoman Tessa Hartman CBE spoke about her career, before Professor Jen Morton, who works with Cancer Research UK at the Beatson Institute, explained why she moved home from the USA to work in Glasgow to lead a team carrying out world-leading research.

The evening brought in £47,500.

Christine Clark, the event's local relationship manager, said: "The inaugural Business Beats Cancer Ayrshire event was truly spectacular but only as a result of the magnificent work of the board, led brilliantly by Lorna Dempsey as well as due to the fabulous support of local businesses.

"Cancer Research UK could not make the progress we do without this vital support.

"As an Ayrshire woman born and bred I was honoured to see the local business community fully supporting the local work of Cancer Research UK."

If any businesses would like to get in touch to discuss how they can further support Cancer Research UK or find out more about BBCA's work then please email Christine.clark@cancer.org.uk or call her on 07880 154981.