LUDLOW Cancer Support Group is really buzzing. The group plans to start a choir in February and will be staging a ladies' fashion show in March.

"We are in discussion with Tenovus Cancer Care regarding the possibility of starting a Sing with Us choir", said Rosemary Wood, chairman of the Ludlow Cancer Support Group. "In April last year, Tenovus Cancer Care, and the Royal College of Music in London published a study called More Than Singing. This biologically proved that singing as part of a choir for just one hour can boost immunity in people affected by cancer. It also helps to reduce stress and improve mood, which in turn can have a positive impact on overall health."

The Sing with Us choir is for anyone affected by cancer, be they patients, carers, family, friends or those who have been bereaved. "We are currently running workshops to show the local community how our choirs work", said Iwan Jones, head of Sing with Us from Tenovus Cancer Care. "Our aim is to offer a new support network to people affected by cancer. Members of one of our choirs are staging a taster session in Ludlow on February 24 from 11am - 12.30pm in the Parish Room of St Peter's Church in Henley Road, and everyone is welcome."

This choir is purely for fun, and aims to meet once a month to begin with. The songs are joyous and uplifting, and several members of the Ludlow Cancer Support Group who don't think they can sing have already asked to be involved.

The taster session is free and open to anyone affected by cancer who is interested in the possibility of joining a Ludlow Sing with Us choir".

In addition to setting up a choir, LCSG is also staging a ladies' fashion show when ex High Street fashion from M&S, Wallis, Top Shop, New Look, Oasis and Next can be bought at discounts of 50% or more.

The fashion show and pop-up shop will take place in Oscars at Ludlow Assembly Rooms on March 29. Tickets cost £5, and are available from The Wool Shop in Broad Street. LCSG is working with Colours, a professional organization noted for its fundraising fashion shows, and there will be opportunities to try the clothes on before buying.

Doors open at 7pm for 7.30pm, and all money raised will be divided between the Lingen Davies Cancer Fund and the Macmillan Renton Unit at Hereford Hospital. Both organisations have supported, and continue to support LCSG members.

"We are looking forward to seeing some lovely clothes and accessories at our ladies fashion show", said LCSG chairman, Rosemary Wood. "But not everyone is as fortunate. For some months now, the group has been knitting squares for CALAID, a group of volunteers which collects urgently needed donations for those suffering from the displacement of people from war-torn countries such Syria, Sudan, Afghanistan and Eritrea. Recently CALAID volunteer, Nicola North sent us an urgent email: "Tomorrow afternoon I am taking a load of things to be part of a truck heading over to Europe for refugees sleeping rough." Our knitted squares had been sewn into blankets by several members of the group, and were ready and waiting."

For further information, contact Rosemary Wood, rosemary.wood3@gmail.com, 01584 875438,