IT is very important to eat a good breakfast, to literally break the overnight fast and to help you concentrate at work, writes Kate Hughes.

But, according to new research, it can also help reduce your risk of cancer as part of a healthy diet.

Cancer Research UK is holding Britain's Biggest All Day Breakfast on Friday, March 12, to raise funds for the charity's pioneering science programme.

Schools, offices or neighbours can hold the events with tasty breakfast treats such as bacon sarnies, pancakes with maple syrup or the classic English fry-up.

But for a healthy option, experts at Cancer Research UK recommend eating some of your five portions of fruit and vegetables at breakfast, as a glass of fruit juice for example.

For me it is fresh coffee, smoked salmon and scrambled eggs on granary toast and if it's my birthday, a glass of champagne.

That's my favourite breakfast so to celebrate Britain's Biggest All Day Breakfast, I asked Bromsgrove residents what their favourite way to start the day is?

Advertiser/Messenger editor Alan Wallcroft likes to get his oats each day.

"My favourite breakfast is porridge made from oats mixed with a little bit of golden syrup. It's nice to have something warming in the morning," said Alan.

Garden designer Marigold Webb said: "During the week I like to have a healthy breakfast of museli but at the weekend I do like scrambled or boiled eggs. It is important though that the eggs are really fresh."

Marigold added: "As a treat a good homemade butcher's bacon or sausage is nice as well, but whatever I have, I always make freshly squeezed orange juice."

Local fundraiser and language teacher Nicole Harris flew the French flag when asked about her favourite breakfast.

"Of course it would have to be caf au lait and croissants. But normally I don't have time and just have a cup of coffee, which is not very healthy!"

Bromsgrove Walks for Health co-ordinator Steve Barlow said: "I have the odd fry-up but normally I just have museli with fresh fruit and yoghurt. But I have to have a cup of tea!"

District councillor Nick Psirides (Ind-Norton) said: "My favourite breakfast is very simple, just a bowl of museli with a handful of currants. I like to keep my figure nice and trim!"

To take part in Britain's Biggest All Day Breakfast telephone 08701 602040 or visit www.cancerresearch.org.uk

And as for me, where's that glass of champagne?