The launch of a new cancer support group has been labelled as 'invaluable to the community'.

Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support group was set up in June, 2018 by Mary Kahn and a committee who all wanted to invest their time to provide a support service to those affected by cancer.

Several in the committee had previously suffered with cancer, with each individual have a completely different experience, and not one person's the same as another's.

Mary Kahn, founder of the group, said: "The group has been created as we were aware it was something that had been lacking in the area for many years.

"The support from nurses, friends and family is phenomenal, but we seem to have fallen in a gap for support services because of where we are.

"After someone has had treatment, if they need support, they have to drive one hour to receive those services.

"There's been a desire to set up something local and its been on the radar for a while."

The group aims to provide a variety of services, including activities, holistic therapies, diet advice and lifestyle information, different exercise classes, as well as mutual support.

Organisers are currently applying for a charity status, which they hope to have by January, and have so far received support from Macmillan, Lyme Forward, The Living Tree in Bridport, Force in Exeter and The Penny Brohn Centre in Bristol.

When asked if it is important for cancer support groups to network with each other, Mary said: "It's phenomenal and on a different level. The support I get personally from The Living Tree has highlighted the highs and lows, and it has been great for swapping ideas.

"It would be really good to organise one or two big fundraising events with other groups."

The group's website was created by Watershed PR by Stephen Banks, and when Mary went to pay, was told it was for free.

Mary said: "Thanks to Stephen Banks at Watershed PR, who went out and tendered this. For him to do all this so quickly and not charge is phenomenal support."

The new service has been welcomed by Lyme Regis Town councillor, Cheryl Reynolds, chairman of the Tourism, Community and Publicity Committee.

Cllr Reynolds said: "The Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support group is a much-needed resource for the area for those with cancer or supporting a loved one with cancer.

"Support groups have many benefits such as providing a safe place to share experiences, a source of emotional, social and practical support, and help in dealing with the challenges during and after treatment.

"Before the Axminster and Lyme Regis group was formed, people in this area would have had to travel to Bridport or beyond to access that support, so a more local group will make life so much easier for those with cancer and their loved ones.

"Having a local network of people and being able to connect with those going through the same issues and experiences, without any added burden of having to travel further afield, will be invaluable to the community."

In August, the group held an afternoon tea party, which was attended by 65 people and raised more than £840.

The group is hosting a Lyme Regis drop-in at the Pop Up Kitchen, Broad Street on Tuesday, October 16 from 2.30pm until 4.30pm.

Meetings will also take place in Axminster, with one planned for the Scott Rowe Meeting Room, Axminster Hospital on Monday, October 1 from 2pm until 4pm.

If you can volunteer your time, either by putting up posters, making teas or driving members to their appointments, then get in touch.

For more information, visit axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk or you can contact info@axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk