EXMOOR is home to a breast cancer support group with a difference.

Nine years ago a fly-fishing organisation was set up on Wimbleball Lake, Exmoor, for people suffering, recovering and living with breast cancer, to come to meetings once a month to be coached by qualified coaches to learn to fly fish.

Founder of South West Fishing For Life (SWFFL) Gillian Payne said: "Movement can improve circulation and specific movements involved with casting can improve shoulder strength and stability.

"General mood and wellbeing can be greatly helped by many factors such as the excellent support network that is provided by SWFFL, as well as a reason to be outdoors learning a new hobby and socialising with like-minded people."

All the groups are run by the Trustees, a small committee of five people at Wimbleball, which is where we have our Head Office. Each group has a lead coach and volunteers who organise their days, providing refreshments after the fishing and who are there for people who don’t want to fish but just to chat and have coffee with.

Mrs Payne added: "We have been fortunate to gain small grants from the local councils where the groups are based, in order to fund the equipment and get the groups running which then enables us to offer the sessions free to members. All the members have to do is come along in warm coats and wellington boots, we provide everything else."

To find out more visit southwestfishingforlife.org.uk.