A COPPLESTONE teenager will be celebrating his 18th birthday by staging a fund-raising event in aid of Exeter-based cancer charity, FORCE.

Marcus Hearn is hosting the "Boyz Birthday Bash" party in gratitude for the support the charity gave his mum, Liz, who was diagnosed with double breast cancer at Easter 2013 and underwent a long period of chemotherapy.

Marcus said: "The people at FORCE were wonderful. They helped my mum with information, massage and counselling and I just wanted to do something to say 'thank you'."

The family received some good cheer before Christmas with the news that Liz's condition has not spread and she is now awaiting a course of radiotherapy.

The event, which will be held at Lapford's Victory Hall on February 8, has received considerable support from local businesses, with raffle prizes being donated by the Old Malt Scoop Inn, Speed Motorcycles, Bridge Motorcycles, Quicke's Traditional Ltd, Mole Avon, Devon County Pursuits and Mad Hatters Catering. There will also be an auction for a signed Exeter Chiefs Rugby shirt and day passes for Crack Shot Paintball.

Entertainment will be provided by the popular "Tiny Face Experience", who will be making their final appearance together before disbanding. There will be a bar, buffet and free car parking.

Entrance is open to all in return for a donation to FORCE.