A MACMILLAN nurse is now at hand in Penketh Library to help cancer patients - and their friends and families.

Bev Collins can provide counselling and practical information on the disease and is at the library, on Honiton Way, on Thursdays from 10am to 1pm.

She is based in a quiet room past the main counter so people can talk in confidence.

Bev said she has been getting around three to four people a day since the scheme started in February, and is hoping more people will make use of the service.

"A lot of people come in to discuss the fact that they have come to the end of their treatment, and they feel alone because they have dropped out of the care path and, as far as the hospital is concerned, they are cured," said Bev.

"Or they have questions about the medication they are taking as well, or help with complimentary medicine; we offer that two days a week at Halton Hospital."

Bev said she loves her job.

"It helps me make a difference. I can't cure people, but you can make it easier for them to get from one journey to the other."

Warrington Primary Care Trust is hoping to expand the scheme to five more libraries, including Warrington Central.