A GROUP which provides support for breast cancer sufferers and women worried about breast problems has been nominated for a top award.

Blackburn Breast Care Support Group has been shortlisted in the Queen's Golden Jubilee Awards, along with 30 other voluntary groups in the North West.

The group has been nominated for its contribution and commitment to the local community, after providing support, advice and a social gatherings for countless women over the last ten years.

The shortlist was drawn up by a local panel and groups will find out whether they have won an award on June 2.

The Blackburn group meets at Beardwood Hospital, Preston New Road, Blackburn and was started by Margaret Robinson, the then Breast Care Adviser for the area. When she retired about four years ago, Ruth Loft and Sue Sharples took over as joint organisers.

The group helps women who have had breast cancer or other breast problems and an opportunity for women who have just been diagnosed with breast cancer to meet others who have been treated for the disease.

Ruth, who has been treated for breast cancer twice, said: "Just knowing that you are not alone helps many people to come to terms with being diagnosed with breast cancer.

"It is a very friendly group -- there are usually about 30 there, although there must be double that number who drop in from time to time.

"We have speakers of all kinds, and there is always a breast care nurse available at meetings for a chat."