A cancer support group which survived after facing closure last year has now donated £150 to the charity which used to run it.

Basingstoke charity The Pink Place, founded 15 years ago to support women diagnosed with cancer, had to withdraw its support for a Pink Place group in Alton because of increased demand for its services and falling income - but the ladies who attended it once a fortnight refused to let it stop.

Member Margaret Crowe said: “The group in Alton wanted the group to continue meeting, and renamed themselves Our Place.

“The Pink Place still help the group, and anyone who attends Our Place can continue to take advantage of the free well-being services held in Basingstoke.

“As The Pink Place continues to support Our Place members, we wanted to help them with a donation.”

The Pink Place was initially for women with breast cancer, but this was later increased to include all cancers.

Its aim is to give support and advice in a friendly and welcoming environment away from a medical setting.

It offers free well-being services including complementary therapies, counselling, yoga, talks, coffee mornings and workshops.

Our Place meets for coffee or tea, cake and a chat at the Alton Maltings Centre on the first and third Friday of the month from 9.30am to 11.30am.

Margaret said: “The ladies meet others who understand how it feels to have cancer and provide an opportunity to discuss treatments and symptoms with peers and find out what has helped others.

“Very often cancer is not discussed at all, and there is laughter, fun and many other things are discussed - books, holidays and theatre etcetera.

“It is a drop-in session and anyone with a cancer diagnosis is welcome to attend. If preferred, contact The Pink Place and they will put you in touch with Our Place. The contact page and telephone number is on The Pink Place website at https://thepinkplace.org.uk.”

Presenting the cheque, raised from collections at the drop-in sessions, Our Place member Anne Whitaker said: "We're absolutely delighted to make this donation to The Pink Place, who have been so supportive to us. We appreciate everything that you do."

Fundraising and events manager Christine Griffiths received it on behalf of The Pink Place.

She said: "To keep this group going has been fantastic and we are really grateful, not only for the money but also to know that it's in safe hands and you're doing such a wonderful job in Alton."