EXETER Leukaemia Fund (ELF) is encouraging people who live in Okehampton and surrounding areas to start a supporter group.

Supporter groups play a vital part in the success of the charity, by organising their own fundraising activities and helping with ELF events, which offers friendship and focus for patients, family and friends.

ELF currently has three groups in Exeter, Exmouth and East Devon.

Member of the East Devon group, Jan Plummer said: 'The group has raised a lot of money in a short space of time, from table-top sales and bucket collections, through to birthday parties and coffee mornings.

'Helping ELF is enjoyable and rewarding.'

ELF supports the work of the haematology centre at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital by providing funds for enhanced patient care, state of the art equipment and research.

Anyone interested in helping to start a new group can phone the ELF office on 01392 493344 or email [email protected]">[email protected]