A CHARITY support line has revealed 440 calls were made from Worcestershire residents in the past year.

The free Macmillan Support Line is for anyone with questions about cancer and is staffed by experts who can help with a range of queries.

Of the 440 calls from the county, 71 per cent were for clinical information and emotional support while the other 29 per cent regarded welfare or financial guidance queries.

The figures were released to coincide with Cancer Talk Week - Macmillan’s annual awareness-raising week – which runs from January 26 to 30.

David Crosby, general manager, said: “These figures illustrate just how many people affected by cancer in Worcestershire are reaching out for our help by calling the Macmillan Support Line - and this is only one of our many services."

This year, Macmillan is urging the public to pledge support online for its Time to Choose campaign which aims to make sure improving cancer care is a priority for the next government at this year’s general election.

Mr Crosby added: “Our Time to Choose campaign aims to make cancer care an election priority and avoid a cancer care crisis. So please go online and show your support."

The Macmillan Support Line is available weekdays from 9am to 8pm, on 0808 808 0000. For more information, or to show support to the Time to Choose campaign visit timetochoose.org.uk