HAVE you been affected by cancer or do you care for someone with the disease? If so, the Dorset Cancer Network wants to hear from you.

The organisation is responsible for the development of cancer services in the county and is inviting people with experience of those services, and suggestions on how to improve them, to attend a strategy planning day.

Held at the Springfield Hotel in Wareham from 10am to 4pm on Saturday May 21 the day is designed to be fun and interactive with presentations, displays, workshops, a virtual auction and a raffle with the chance to win a Channel crossing with Condor Ferries.

The aim of the event is to develop a three-year strategy for cancer services in Dorset.

Andrea Mostyn-Jones, lead nurse for the Dorset Cancer Network, said: "As a patient, your unique experience can provide a valuable contribution to the improvement, development and new initiatives taking place in local cancer services.

"We want to hear about what you want, what you don't want and what you feel you need from your local cancer services."

Michael Flood, chairman of the organisation's user involvement group, added: "We are keen to strengthen our membership and involve more patients and users in the many areas where previously only doctors, nurses and other health professionals have made decisions.

"This is a really good opportunity for patients, carers, individuals and groups affected by cancer to work together with healthcare professionals and cancer groups in planning the future shape of cancer services."

To book a place at the event, or find out more, call Maureen O'Hara at the Dorset Cancer Network on 01202 854413.

First published: May 19