A CANCER sufferers' support group is celebrating 20 years in the Spa this month.

The Droitwich Cancer Support Group cracked open the bubbly to celebrate the occasion with deputy mayor, Councillor Ann Taft on Wednesday, October 1.

Members enjoyed a buffet and home-made cakes at The Rotary House, to honour the group's founder members from social services.

The group began in October 1983, when social workers decided a support group, like the one in Worcester, was needed closer to home.

Only a handful of people attended the first meeting, including late Spa resident Geoff Roberts, who lost his wife to the illness.

But within a few months the group began to expand, and led by Geoff, members met every month to offer support to one another.

Other groups soon followed their lead and numerous cancer support groups became established throughout the Midlands including Malvern, Kidderminster, Dudley, Redditch and Birmingham.

The support group's president, Joan Summers said that the group, which has charitable status, has maintained a membership of around 25 - including a committee of seven. But they are always looking for new members.

The group meet frequently for entertaining talks by speakers, coffee mornings and enjoy an annual Christmas dinner at the Chateau Impney.

She added: "If you are a sufferer or a carer of a sufferer of the dreaded disease and feel all alone, please contact us and join our little band of forward-thinking members.

"All is not gloom and doom, on the contrary. Even life with cancer can be fun," said Joan.

Monthly meetings are at the Rotary House from 7 to 9pm on the first Wednesday of each month. For details call Joan on 01905 773482 or chairman Barbara Wells on 01527 577721.