PEOPLE are being invited to help craft a unique silver chain to celebrate the strength of patients affected by cancer.

The community art project, called LoveLinks, has been launched by the charity CancerCare, which offers free therapy and support.

Professional jewellery maker Rachel Hearne will be running workshops where people can give £10 to create their own silver link, which will be joined with others to make a one-of-a-kind piece of jewellery.

The chain will be displayed at galleries and venues across south Cumbria and north Lancashire before being broken up and sold to raise money for CancerCare.

Rachel, who runs CancerCare’s therapeutic creative metals craft classes, said: "The concept is inspired by the strength members of CancerCare’s jewellery and creative metals group gain from coming together at their weekly activity session. They have all been affected by cancer or other life-limiting health conditions, either as a patient themselves or having experienced the loss of a loved one.

“It’s inspiring to see them learn the techniques and develop the skills to make beautiful silver jewellery in an understanding, supportive and caring environment.”

LoveLinks workshops will take place at:

- Halton Mill, Lancaster - September 14 from 10am to 3pm

- CancerCare, Blackhall Road, Kendal – September 26 from 5 to 7pm

- Lancaster Community Fire Station - November 2 from 11am to 2pm.

Further workshops in Kendal and Barrow will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

To book a place visit www.cancercare.org.uk, call 01524 381820 or email rachel.hearne@cancercare.co.uk