BURY Cancer Support Centre celebrates its first birthday next week and will mark the occasion by extending its opening hours.

Since it opened a year ago, the centre based at St James' Church Hall has been open on Tuesday afternoon to offer people living with cancer a chance to enjoy a wide range of complementary treatments to help relaxation and "spiritual healing" as well as giving support and information.

Up to now, it has been run on a drop-in-basis from noon until 4.30pm by complementary therapist Edwina Hodkinson and her team of qualified and experienced therapists who volunteer their time.

But from Tuesday April 20, the centre will also open in the mornings on an appointment basis only.

Edwina explained: "For the past year we have been operating on a drop-in-basis only, which has worked really well. But we understand there are people who might want privacy to talk and try the treatments as well as a chance to look round the centre."

Bury Cancer Support Centre aims to complement treatments given by doctors and provide emotional support to those who have the condition and to their families.

The centre also runs workshops on how to cope with and manage the condition in different ways including nutrition.

Around 20 to 36 people visit the centre on a every Tuesday afternoon.

Next Tuesday afternoon, those who use the centre will celebrate its first year with a special birthday cake donated by Asda.

People wishing to make an appointment any Tuesday should ring 07899990260.