STRETTON Cancer Care has celebrated its 10th anniversary with a lunch for 34 members.

The group was set up by Robin Jukes-Hughes and Doreen Hall when they first met at the Shropshire and Mid Wales Hospice.

Robin had been a counsellor at a cancer support group in London and Doreen had recently had cancer but had received little support during the illness.

At that first inaugural meeting it was agreed that the main aim of the group should be to give help and care to people in the Strettons who have cancer, their families, and anyone bereaved by the disease.

In 1999 Mrs Alexandra Jukes-Hughes, a practising psychotherapist, took the place of nurse Jane Wrench on the group's counselling team.

Membership rose steadily and now stands at 41.

It is the only group operating in south Shropshire and has members from Ludlow and Bishops Castle.

Monthly group meetings are held in the Mayfair Community Centre, in Church Stretton, and usually begin with a talk. There are social events, too, including outings and Christmas lunches.

"The immediate future looks secure, " said Robin.

"The group's financial position has never been better.

"However Doreen Hall has now retired from active membership and someone is urgently needed to take her place."

Anyone interested in joining should contact Robin or Alex on 01694 724024.