BLACKDOWN Hills Breathe Easy, a support group for all those living with lung disease, will be formally launched at Hemyock Baptist Church next Thursday at 12.30pm.

A joint idea by HeLiC and staff at the Blackdown Practice, the group is offering support, advice, information and a chance to meet people in a similar situation. It is open to all those who fight for breath as a result of conditions such as emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, fibrosing alveolitis, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.

Keynote speaker at the opening of the group will be Dr Robert Stone Consultant Physician at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton. Chairpersons of parish Councils, local GPs, NHS and local hospital representatives, and all those who have a lung disease, as well as families and friends, are invited to attend to find out more about how this group can help them.

Retired GP and Chairman of the group Jonathan Meads, said: "Living with lung disease can often be a frightening and isolating experience.

"By joining Breathe Easy people will be able to benefit from the support of each other and share experiences, which will hopefully lead to an improved quality of life and an awareness of the positive side of living with lung disease."

For more information and to confirm attendance, contact chairman Jonathan Meads on 01823-421206, secretary Ron White on 01823-681020 or Steven Reed on 01823-680946.