A special beach hut helping those affected by cancer has now opened on the seafront.

Axminster and Lyme Regis Cancer Support officially opened Mary’s Beach Hut which will support anyone - themselves or family members - impacted by cancer by offering time to relax in Lyme Regis.

The beach hut was made possible by money given by Fossil Films - which shot Ammonite, a film about Mary Anning, in the town last year - to Lyme Regis Town Council for use of its land while filming.

A spokesman for Axminster and Lyme Regis Cancer Support said: “The idea for the provision of this beach hut came from a local lady and her family - the Ball family.

“After going through her own cancer treatment, she and her family attended the funeral at Lyme church of a family friend who had passed away following a battle with breast cancer. Whilst leaving the church, they saw an information board about the famous fossil hunter Mary Anning and discovered that she too had died from breast cancer with limited treatment and support.”

Lyme Regis Town Council asked groups to submit ideas on what to spend the money on that would be fitting tribute to Mary Anning.

Mary Kahn, founder of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, submitted the idea with the plans and councillors agreed to give the project £5,000.

The spokesman added: “For those of you who have been through, are going through or have been affected by a battle against cancer, you are welcome to relax by the sea and enjoy your own little bit of Lyme.”

To find out more about the charity, visit axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk