A WOMAN who overhauled her life after being diagnosed with cancer has launched a series of arts and craft classes in a bid to help people in the district beat stress.

Jenny Saunders, of Church Walk, Stourport, was working as a full-time group health and safety officer with a large Coventry automotive manufacturer when she received the bad news last year.

"I thought I had to decide about what I was going to do. I decided to re-shape my life and allow more time for leisure pursuits, things that gave me pleasure."

Mrs Saunders, 52, resigned and set up a part-time health and safety consultancy, leaving her time to enjoy producing her own pieces of arts and crafts and help others to find relaxation through craft.

She said: "Stress is one of the most problematical areas in the modern work environment. Even if they are not working themselves they are still subject to pressures and the stress that others bring home.

"I am constantly advising people to have a hobby in which they can 'loose' themselves and forget work and every day stresses."

Mrs Saunders, who is a mother of two, originally trained in drama and theatre arts at London's Arts Educational Dance and Theatre College.

"I started off in dance but because of a funny injury I went into drama but found I much preferred the arts stuff, working backstage."

For 20 years until the mid 60s she designed scenery and costumes for small theatre groups in London but after the birth of her first child decided the demands including regular commuting were too much.

She re-trained in health and safety work undertaking a series of qualifications culminating in an MSc at Greenwich University.

She said: "I want people to find some time for themselves. Doing aerobics to stay slim and relax is fine but not everybody can or wants to do that. You have to look at the mind as well as the body.

"Craft is a wonderful medium. Using stamps, pencils and a few paints, everyone can walk away at the end of two hours with a professional looking piece of work and learn how to do it at home."

The classes, which are aimed at beginners, both get under way at Astley Village Hall and Worcester Arts Workshop, High Street, on Wednesday. Further information is available on 01299 825167.