A local cancer charity has reported how it has provided support and assistance during the last year of lockdowns.

Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support has produced a colourful chart to show how it has supported nearly 200 people during the last year.

The work of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support grew over the past year in response to the restrictions in place for COVID-19 and the national lockdowns.

Its weekly drop-in sessions quickly moved to Zoom as lockdown began. It managed to hold more than 50 weekly sessions during the year with an average attendance of 16 people at each one.

With many people shielding while waiting for treatment, the charity started delivering much needed 'distraction aids', such as magazines, books, art and craft kits or other activities to help while away the time.

Jigsaws have proved to be popular and the charity has built up a library of puzzles of varying degrees of difficulty.

Activities such as workshops and treatments did not stop with lockdown and social distancing; many online workshops were held covering sleep mindfulness and creative writing.

When restrictions allowed, the charity's beach hut in Lyme Regis was available to spend some quiet time in.

Mary Kahn, founder of Axminster and Lyme Cancer Support, said: "It has been a hard year for everyone and we are so grateful to our volunteers and all the support we have received.

"We managed to secure grants and funding to support our activities over the last year and we continue to support anyone affected by any cancer.

"As you can see from the graphic we have grown in the services we offer and the number of people we support.

"We quickly switched to online services and meetings at the start of the first lockdown and have continued throughout the year."

If anyone wants to access support or contribute directly, they can find many of the details of services offered and how to contact the charity on the website www.axminsterandlymecancersupport.co.uk

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