DORSET'S first cancer care centre is set to open its doors in Bournemouth next month after being awarded a £130,000 grant just before Christmas.

A fundraising campaign to transform a town centre venue into a place where people who have cancer can access counselling and support services, was launched by the Wessex Cancer Trust and Daily Echo last August.

Following a £130,000 donation from the Dorset Cancer Care Trust in December, the new Bournemouth Cancer Support Centre at Fairview House in Hinton Road, will officially open on Tuesday February 2.

BBC South Today presenter, Laura Trant, has also agreed to be the charity's new vice-chairman.

Cait Allen, chief executive at Wessex Cancer Trust, said: "We are so excited to be working with Dorset Cancer Care Foundation to improve the lives of local people with cancer and their families.

"Our aim is to provide counselling and therapies in easy to access friendly settings, away from the clinical hospital environment and close to home. This new partnership will ensure the people of Dorset can get the care they need in their local community."

Ms Allen also thanked local businesses, the Talbot Village Trust and Daily Echo readers, for donations including toys and furniture to equip the new centre which will cater for people of all ages and their families.

The new centre will offer a range of services including befriending and support groups, counselling, complementary therapies as well as workshops.

Ms Allen added: "This will be our flagship centre and will cater for all cancers and all ages. It is for people and their families who want to get support in the community rather than going back to the hospital."

A few more volunteers are still needed to help run the centre. For more information, please get in touch by emailing wct@wessexcancer.org.uk.