RESIDENTS from across Dumbarton and the Vale living with cancer can find support at their local library.

Each week Macmillan Cancer Support sets up shop in both Alexandria Library and Dumbarton Library to offer locals a chance to find out more about the disease.

Trained and experienced staff and volunteers from the national cancer charity are on hand to offer advice and support to those currently facing the biggest battle of their lives as well as friends and family who are offering care and compassion from the sidelines.

A cancer diagnosis can understandably be a difficult and confusing time for many people, however, it can also feel lonely.

That's where the Macmillan Cancer Support team is proud to step in.

The team offer a free and confidential drop-on service where locals can make the most of high quality information as well as emotional support.

They understand that sometimes it's not always easy to say how you're feeling to those closest to you and so are on hand to offer a friendly ear and shoulder to lean on.

What's more, the team can also help with signposts to further information as well as support with practical issues.

From arranging free counselling appointments and free complimentary therapies to arranging a referral to the local Macmillan Benefits Adviser to ensure residents know and have access to all of the financial help they are entitles to, there's a wealth of help and information available locally.

Vale residents keen to find out more are invited to pop into Alexandria Library on Gilmore Street every Monday between 10.30am and 12.30pm while Dumbarton locals can head to the library at Strathleven Place each Wednesday for advice from 11am until 1pm.

Alternatively, anyone looking for more information about Macmillan support services at both Alexandria and Dumbarton Library should call Helen Shearer on 01389 608 049 or email macmillan@west-dunbarton.gov.uk

According to figures from the national charity more than 2.5 people across the UK are living with cancer, with this figure set to grow by four million by 2030.

Macmillan Cancer Support is on hand to offer support and information to those living with the disease and ensuring that no one faces cancer alone.

For further information about the charity and the services on offer both locally and nationally, visit www.macmillan.org.uk