A SUPPORT group called SMILE set up by people who suffer chronic pain will be officially launched on Thursday.

Ten patients from the Haslingden-based group attended a pain management programme at Queen's Park Hospital, Blackburn, where they learned how to positively cope with pain by gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, relaxation, and talked about medical issues.

They also learned how to deal with depression, anger and all the negative feelings that people suffer in chronic pain.

After the course, the patients did not want the positive pain management to end so when they heard about a group called SMILE in Liverpool, they decided to set up an East Lancs group.

The group meets every Thursday at Haslingden Community Link, Bury Road, Haslingden.

Pfizer Pharmaceuticals has paid for exercise mats, pillows, a clock, and a CD/tape player.