BURY Cancer Support Centre has celebrated its first anniversary.

The centre has administered more than 1,000 holistic treatments to 148 cancer patients in the past year.

When it was first launched, the centre opened one afternoon a week at St James Church Hall, Woolfold, to provide emotional support and advice and allow patients to enjoy free relaxing complementary treatments.

The centre now opens all day on Tuesday, with the mornings set aside for appointments only for patients who want privacy.

Complementary therapist Edwina Hodkinson said: "To celebrate the anniversary a number of people who we had not seen for a while joined us. It was so nice to see them again."

She added: "Once we have been granted charity status it will make it easier to raise money for the centre. Presently we are dependent on a team of volunteers and rely on donations.

"Eventually I would like to be able to have a paid team and have more experienced, qualified volunteers so the centre could be open more days.

"To be able to provide this support and help in the cancer journey of patients is so rewarding. We have seen patients who, when they first come here, feel so desolate but then see them change and regain control over their lives and begin to inspire and encourage others to do the same."

The centre received a birthday cake from Asda Pilsworth and a toaster donated by Asda staff Eddie Dixon and Linda Gee.

Experienced qualified complementary therapists wishing to volunteer their time should ring 0161 797 2761. Cancer patients wanting to book an appointment on Tuesday mornings should ring 07899990260.