FREE information and support on sun safety and cancer is on offer in West Cumbria this week.

Macmillan Cancer Support’s mobile service is set to visit Workington, Whitehaven and Cleator Moor.

On-board the bus will be a team of cancer information specialists who can answer questions, provide support and inform people about local cancer services.

Joining the team will be representatives of the Stronger Together group, set up by Sellafield Ltd and the late Ged Blaney to support the company's present and former workers who have been affected by cancer.

They will be at Whitehaven's Market Place on Thursday from 10am to 4pm, and Cleator Moor Market Square from 9am until 3pm on Friday.

The visits are open to anyone, whether you’re living with or beyond cancer, or are a loved one or carer for someone who is.

The team will also be providing specialist advice and information about sun safety and skin cancer. However, they will not be able to perform skin checks.

Su Huggins, a Macmillan information and support specialist on the unit, said: "Skin cancer, if caught early, is very treatable and actually has one of the highest survival rates of all cancers. Being sun aware is key. Our advice is to avoid sun beds, wear a high SPF sun screen with a four star rating or more so it will block out UVA as well as UVB rays, and cover up in the sun."

She added: "We’re also there for anyone else with any worries or concerns, no matter what type of cancer. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, are going through treatment or are living beyond cancer, feel free to pay us a visit – and we welcome carers, family members and loved ones as well.

"We can provide information on a range of issues, including different treatments, financial advice, exercise, getting back to work, or what local services might be on offer for you. You can even just stop by for a chat, no appointment needed."

Macmillan’s four mobile information units travel around the UK visiting local communities, providing cancer information and support on the ground. Last year they helped around 74,000 people in over 565 locations.