Encouraging us all to think pink is Bedford Town Bridge which has changed its stripes to mark breast cancer awareness month.

Famously lit in blue, the landmark has had a makeover and will now glow pink until the end of October to show the town's support for Cancer Research UK's All Join Together campaign.

The new lights were turned on by Bedford's Mayor Frank Branston on Monday, October 2.

He was joined by breast cancer research scientist Dr Jason Carroll Teresa Brown, 58, of Sandy and Lesley Henderson, 56, from Duckmill Crescent, Bedford, who are both recovering from breast cancer treatment.

The campaign aims to make women aware of the risks of breast cancer and raise funds to tackle the disease, which is the most common cancer in the UK.

Everyone can lend their support this month by buying one of this season's must have accessories, a limited edition designer rubber duck, from any Cancer Research UK shop.

For more information about breast cancer, or how to get involved in fundraising, visit www.cancerresearchuk.org/breastcancer

Fact file
One in nine women in the UK will develop breast cancer during their lifetime.

More than 44,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed each year.

Around 300 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in men each year in the UK.

More than 80 per cent of cases occur in women over 50 years old.

The estimated five-year survival rate for women diagnosed with breast cancer in now 80 per cent.

Breastfeeding, cutting down on alcohol and avoiding being overweight, can reduce the risk of developing breast cancer.

Cancer Research UK is the leading funder of breast cancer research in the country, with an annual spend of more than £22 million.