PINK hay bales installed by a Caldbeck farmer have now raised £2,000 for a breast cancer charity.

Angus Hodgson, 22, has been so amazed by the response he is now planning to launch a similar fundraiser next year.

It comes after he created a giant breast cancer ribbon in his field using hay bales covered in distinctive pink wrap, then posted pictures on social media.

He came up with the idea on impulse, initially just hoping to raise awareness.

But after including a fundraising link to charity Breast Cancer Care, he was amazed at the response.

People started to share the photo and the total raised went from £50 to more than £500 within weeks. Now he is stunned to see it top the £2,000 mark.

Angus, of Midtown Farm, had a personal reason for choosing the breast cancer charity after his grandmother, Anne Hannam, successfully fought the illness.

“She had it 30 years ago but she’s still here. It affects so many people, I wanted to do something to support the cause,” he said.

Angus was initially just going to pile up the pink bales, then came up with the idea of making them into the ribbon symbol.

He said he is over the moon at how much money has now been raised.

“I’m chuffed to bits. I can’t really believe it. Lots of people shared the story that was in The Cumberland News and the total kept going up,” he said.

“I just want to thank everyone who has donated and shared it. I’m overwhelmed. It’s just mad.”

Now he is thinking of setting up another hay bale fundraiser next year for a different charity.

Readers can still contribute to this appeal through his Facebook page.