MACMILLAN Cancer Support is calling on Gwent people to support their work such as a successful library information service by taking part in this year's 'World’s Biggest Coffee Morning'.

Last year saw 236 coffee mornings held in the Gwent area as part of the charity’s annual event raising a grand total of £29,659.

But with 347 events already registered in the Gwent area for this year’s World’s Biggest Coffee Morning, it is hoped even more can be raised.

The money raised all goes towards vital services to support people in the local area living with cancer.

This includes the successful launch of a cancer information service in libraries in Torfaen, Monmouthshire and more recently Blaenau Gwent.

The service allows people to drop into local libraries in the area for help and advice from a Macmillan information and support co-ordinator.

This can range from information on living with cancer or after cancer to help with financial support.

The first cancer information service was launched in Torfaen at the end of November 2010 where Norah Williams is the co-ordinator.

Between November 2010 and May this year, Ms Williams has seen more than 2,200 people, held 296 confidential sessions and handed out more than 8,000 pieces of information on a whole range of issues.

She said: "It has been a huge success."

Monmouthshire’s service was launched in January this year where Erica Sheppard is the co-ordinator.

Since January, 55 sessions have been held and 55 ‘face to face’ enquiries carried out.

The service also holds other sessions at the libraries including a shared reading session, and a ‘knit and natter’ group.

Lorna Relph was the latest to join the team in February as a co-ordinator for Blaenau Gwent.

In this area, support has been provided to clients on 94 occasions since February.

Ms Relph said: "The service is working well and is starting to pick up nicely."

The ‘World’s Biggest Coffee morning takes place on September 28 but you can hold an event anytime. For more information visit coffee.macmillan.org.uk

Ms Williams is available at Cwmbran Library every Monday and Friday from 9am until 4.30pm, at Blaenavon Library on Tuesdays from 2pm until 4pm and at Pontypool Library on Thursdays from 9.30am until 4pm.

To arrange an appointment outside of this time, call 01633 647654.

Ms Sheppard holds sessions and activities at Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow, Gilwern, Monmouth and Usk libraries. Times vary each month. For more information visit http://libraries.monmouthshire.gov.uk or call 01873 735980.

Ms Relph is at Blaina Library on Mondays from 3pm until 5pm, Cwm Library on Tuesdays from 10am until 12pm, Brynmawr Library on Thursdays from 1.30pm until 3.30pm and at Ebbw Vale library on Fridays from 9.30am until 11.30am.

She is also at Abertillery Library on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons (1.30pm until 5.30pm) and Thursday mornings (9am until 12.30pm), and at Tredegar Library on Monday and Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons. Call 01495 355857 or 07772145782