After 25 years based in the heart of Bradford, a charity working to support people with cancer and their families is expanding its reach.

Cancer Support Bradford & Airedale hopes to help more people throughout the region with the opening of its new satellite office in Skipton.

The team has now been handed the keys and is working to get the new centre in Otley Street ready for opening.

It will provide face-to-face support to people affected by cancer. Initially it will be open one day a week, but the team plans to develop the level of services offered in Skipton over time.

The charity’s director, Linda Howard, said: “In 2013 we celebrated our silver jubilee year – a fantastic achievement for everyone involved in our 25-year journey to date. However, we have always been keen to build on our successes and this has resulted in us being able to support more people across the area.

“We spoke to our clients to hear how they thought the charity could develop further. There’s no denying that demand for our services continues to grow, and it soon became clear that a second base, easier to reach for people in Skipton and the surrounding area, was much needed.

“So we’ve taken the leap and branched out.

“To get the keys for this new satellite office is incredibly exciting for the whole team, and the Skipton community. We look forward to providing face-to-face practical and emotional support in this area, and hope volunteers will come forward to enable us to do this.”

Volunteer drivers and experienced therapists and counsellors who would like to donate some time to help develop Cancer Support’s Skipton-based services, are encouraged to contact the charity.

Businesses located in Skipton can also help support those affected by a cancer diagnosis. To get involved please call (01274) 776688, e-mail support@bradfordcancer support.org.uk, or visit the website for further details.