A CANCER support group enjoyed blooming great success as it staged its first ever spring fayre.

Rays of Hope, based in Elderslie, recently opened a new Rainbow Centre in the village’s Byres Road, providing a host of activities for those who have had a cancer diagnosis or are caring for a loved one with the illness.

Organised by volunteer Kirsti Reid, the spring fayre saw a variety of stalls selling items such as jewellery, knitwear, candles and cosmetics.

Those who went along were also able to enjoy tea and delicious home-baked goodies donated by locals.

Linda O’Malley, founder of Rays of Hope, said: “We managed to raise just over £500, which will go towards a welcome pack for group members to tell them about the services we offer and how we can help them.

“The fayre was quiet at the beginning but then we had an influx of people in the afternoon and the raffle and cafe really boosted the money that we raised.”

Rays of Hope began as a small group which met twice a week for exercise classes but their newly-refurbished building has allowed them to set up a variety of recreational activities.

Members can get involved in craft classes and walking groups, as well as receiving emotional support from a psychotherapist.

For information, send an email to raysofhope2015@outlook.com.