A BREAST cancer charity is expanding its service.

Hug in a Bag started in Sunderland a decade ago and has since provided bags containing useful information and luxury treats to more than 2,000 women with cancer.

Now it is expanding to cover Durham and Darlington.

A launch event was held at Crook Hall, Durham, with guests including Professor Paul Keane, chairman of the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, and Sunderland AFC legend Jimmy Montgomery, who is the charity’s patron.

Prof Keane said: “I first bumped into the Hug in a Bag ladies in a car park. It was a wonderful chance meeting, because what their charity does is excellent and very much needed.

“I particularly like it because our hospital and community medical and nursing teams deal with the clinical side of breast cancer, but this kind of psychological support gives great encouragement and comfort.”

Mr Montgomery said: “My wife Joy had breast cancer and got through it, but when she had radiotherapy there was nothing like this to give her a boost. It’s fantastic that they are bringing it to County Durham.”

Each bag contains gifts worth about £60, including a cushion, candle, pashmina and toiletries. Charity leaders are appealing for individuals and businesses to provide funding.

For more information, visit huginabag.com or call Judith Wright on 07776-306-559.